Retinopathy develops at similar glucose levels but higher HbA_1c levels in people with black African ancestry compared to white European ancestry: evidence for the need to individualize HbA_1c interpretation.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

To examine the association of HbA_1c and glucose levels with incident diabetic retinopathy according to black African or white European ancestry.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study of 202 500 US Veterans with diabetes (2000-2014), measures included HbA_1c , outpatient random serum/plasma glucose, and incident retinopathy [conversion from negative to ≥2 positive evaluations (ICD-9 codes), without a subsequent negative].

Results

At baseline, the study population had a mean age of 59.3 years, their mean BMI was 31.9 kg/m² , HbA_1c level was 57 mmol/mol (7.4%) and glucose level was 8.8 mmol/l, and 77% were of white European ancestry (white individuals) and 21% of black African ancestry (black individuals). HbA_1c</

SUBMITTER: Staimez LR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10241067 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature