engleski

IMPLICATIONS OF THE GLYCOHEMOGLOBIN/HbA1c TESTING FOR HEALTH CARE OF PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS

Aim: To evaluate the glycohemoglobin/HbA1c testing in the Republic of Croatia, with special emphasis on analytical methods and clinical utilization as well as its impact on the specific health care for diabetic patients, delivered within the scope of the Croatian Model. Methods: The study was conducted during 1998 by distributing questionnaires to clinical laboratories and diabetologists at county/regional centers and Croatian Reference Diabetes Center where specialized health care for diabetic patients is delivered at the secondary and tertiary level, according to the Croatian Model. The participants were asked to answer specific questions concerning analytical aspects and clinical utilization of the glycohemoglobin/HbA1c testing as well as to communicate the comments and suggestions on the issue. Results: In Croatia, the glycohemoglobin/HbA1c testing is highly variable in terms of methodology and chemical entities reported as test result, with serious implications for the clinical validity of the test in respect to the recommended target values for glycemic control. In comparison to the prevalence of diabetes in Croatia and current recommendations, the glycohemoglobin/HbA1c testing was found to be considerably underutilized in regular monitoring of diabetic patients. Conclusion: Achievement of both better compliance to the recommendations and improved outcomes for diabetic patients via standardized and regularly available glycohemoglobin/HbA1c testing should be of highest priority for the medical and laboratory professionals involved in diabetes health care delivery in the Republic of Croatia.

glycohemoglobin/HbA1c; diabetes mellitus; health care; Croatian Model; Saint Vincent Declaration

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