GLYCOSYLATED HEMOGLOBINS IN PREGNANT-WOMEN WITH NORMAL AND ABNORMAL GLUCOSE-TOLERANCE

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1)) levels were compared in low risk pregnant Singaporean women with normal and abnormal glucose response. HbA(1) (mean +/- 1 SD)levels in normal and abnormal groups (489 and 72, respectively) were 4.65 +/- 0.49 and 4.85 +/- 0.50, respectively. While mean levels were significantly different, there was a considerable overlap of levels in both groups. At various gestation periods, mean HbA(1) levels between normal and abnormal groups showed significant difference only at late gestation. The latter may have contributed to significant differences in HbA(1) levels between normal and abnormal groups as a whole. The considerable overlap of HbA(1) values in normal and abnormal groups indicate that HbA(1) may be insensitive as a screening method for glucose intolerance.