AACE Clinical Case Reports (Jan 2016)

Glycemic Assessment in a Patient with HB Leiden and Type 2 Diabetes

  • Richard F. Arakaki, MD,
  • Bhisit Changcharoen, MD

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 4
pp. e307 – e310

Abstract

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ABSTRACT: Objective: To evaluate the discordance between blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in a patient with hemoglobin (Hb) Leiden and type 2 diabetes.Methods: Case report.Results: Measurement of HbA1c levels by immunoturbidimetric assay and boronate affinity high-performance liquid chromatography revealed values of 4.6 (26.8 mmol/mol) and 4.8% (29.0 mmol/mol), respectively, while his fasting plasma glucose was 170 mg/dL and fructosamine was 345 mmol/L. Hb Leiden accounted for 27% of total hemoglobin, and the patient had splenomegaly and elevated hemolytic indices.Conclusion: The discrepancy between normal HbA1c and high blood sugar levels is attributed to chronic hemolysis. Treatment and monitoring options for this patient's diabetes and diabetes-related comorbid conditions will require careful management.Abbreviations: FPG = fasting plasma glucose; Hb = hemoglobin; HbA1c = hemoglobin A1c; RBC = red blood cell; SMBG = self-monitoring of blood glucose