HbA1c Variability and Micro- and Macrovascular Complications of Diabetes.

Yang,  Hae Kyung; Lee,  Seung Hwan

doi:2014.15.4.202

J Korean Diabetes > Volume 15(4); 2014 > Article

Focused Issue

The Journal of Korean Diabetes 2014;15(4):202-205.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2014.15.4.202 Published online December 29, 2014.

당화혈색소 변동성과 당뇨병성 미세혈관 및 대혈관 합병증

양혜경, 이승환

HbA1c Variability and Micro- and Macrovascular Complications of Diabetes.

Hae Kyung Yang, Seung Hwan Lee

Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. hwanx2@catholic.ac.kr

Abstract

Glycemic variability comprises 'glucose variability' and 'hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) variability.' Glucose variability relates to the within-day fluctuation of glucose level and may eventually reflect an increase in HbA1c level. Long-term glycemic variability, which is assessed by HbA1c fluctuation, reflects changes in glycemia over longer periods of time. Previous reports from several cohort studies have demonstrated that HbA1c variability is associated with the development or progression of microvascular complication in type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. However, data on the impact of HbA1c variability on macrovascular complications are controversial, and little is known about its impact on mortality. Further studies with a larger population including various ethnic groups are required to verify the impact of HbA1c variability on micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes. Also, stabilized control of long-term glucose level should be emphasized based on these study results.

Key Words: Complication, Diabetes mellitus, HbA1c