Glycated hemoglobin and red blood cell indices in non-diabetic pregnant women

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is affected by the red blood cell (RBC) lifespan. The association of HbA1c with RBC indices in pregnant women is not widely investigated. In this study, we investigated the association between HbA1c and Hb/RBCs count and RBCs indices; specifically, Hb/RBCs count and indices in nondiabetic pregnant women. Across-sectional study was carried-out at the antenatal care of Saad Abu Elela Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. Obstetrics history was gathered using questionnaire and body mass index was calculated. Fasting blood sugar, at one hour, at two hours post prandial and HbA1c were investigated. Complete blood count parameters of RBCs count was performed, including, hematocrit, Hb, RBCs indices of MCV, MCH, and MCHC. One hundred twenty three women were enrolled. The mean age of the participants was 28±5.6 years and a mean body mass index was 27.65±6.8 k/m2. There was significant positive correlation between HbA1c and Hb (r=0.174, P=0.037), Hct (r=0.174, P=0.037), and MCHC (r=0.180, P=0.031). A negative correlation between HbA1c and the platelet index PDW (r= –0.198, P=0.017) was documented. The rest of the other factors showed no correlation with HbA1c. In linear regression analysis, HbA1c correlated positively with Hb (P=0.044) and Hct (P=0.047). The present study shows a significant positive correlation between HbA1c value with Hb, Hct, and MCHC. No significant correlation between HbA1c and other RBCs parameters was observed.