Determination of fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values in non-diabetic elderlies.

Abstract

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has been found as a reliable parameter to determine the relationship between glucose intake in at least the last 3 weeks, hemoglobin glycation as an indirect parameter, and protein glycation. Pancreatic aging, sarcopenia, decreased physical activity, and an increase in the liberation of counterregulatory hormones while fasting, explain the reason why elderly people tend to increase fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels.
Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the fasting glucose and HbA1c values in the elderly compared to those in the young.
Patients: The patients were recruited in the outpatient geriatrics clinic of the ISSSTE (Institute of Health and Social Security of State Workers) in Torreón, Coahuila. 88 elderly people between 60 and 102 years old were recruited, of which 43 were men and 45 were women, and 90 young people between 18 and 25 years old were recruited, of which 45 were men and 45 were women.
Results: Fasting glucose in the elderly was 101.9 ± 10.4 mg/100 mL. In 43 %, values equal to or less than 100 mg/100 mL were determined and in 57 % concentrations greater than 100 mg/100 mL, but less than 126 mg/100 ml. Fasting glucose in the young was 72.65 ± 6.99 mg/100 mL. HbA1c in the elderly was 5.25 ± 0.45, while in the young it was 5.0 ± 0.26 %.
Conclusions: Precautions should be taken and be more permissive without administering hypoglycemic agents with values up to 120 mg% of fasting glucose or HbA1c of 7.5%.