Abstract
Aim. This study aimed to assess the correlation between HbA1c and insulin resistance as measured by a variety of different indices in subjects from across the glycaemic spectrum. Methods. Subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n = 24), impaired fasting glucose (IFG; n = 12), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; n = 12), and type 2 diabetes (DM; n = 13) were studied. All had specimens taken in the context of a standard oral glucose tolerance test at their first visit and had the insulin sensitivity parameter (Si) determined by frequently-sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test at a second visit. Results. HbA1c was more strongly associated with Si in NGT (r = − 0.65) than in IFG (r = − 0.48). Compared to other indices of insulin resistance HbA1c has minimal overlap in values (0.0%) between NGT and subjects with type 2 diabetes. Conclusions. HbA1c can be used as a simple and reliable marker of insulin resistance in NGT adults with relatively high insulin sensitivity.
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge funding support from the Saudi Government represented by the Saudi National Guard Health Affairs.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.