Hemoglobin A1c as an indicator of long term blood glucose levels in diabetics with special reference to diabetic pregnancy.

Hemoglobin A1c in diabetics has been shown to be an index of average blood glucose levels in the preceding 1-2 months. We confirm this relationship in a group of 12 insulin-treated diabetics and extend it to 16 pregnant insulin-treated patients as well. Lower levels of HbA1c in pregnancy could be explained by better control. In an ongoing sequential study of 5 pregnant diabetics home-monitoring their blood glucose, we have an impression, that this relationship holds true for individual patients. If this is confirmed, the level of glycosylated hemoglobins in pregnancy may be used as a warning signal for deterioration of glucose control in out-patients.