GLYCOSYLATED HEMOGLOBINS IN PREGNANT-WOMEN WITH NORMAL AND ABNORMAL GLUCOSE-TOLERANCE

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1)) levels were compared in low risk preg nant Singaporean women with normal and abnormal glucose response. HbA( 1) (mean +/- 1 SD)levels in normal and abnormal groups (489 and 72, re spectively) were 4.65 +/- 0.49 and 4.85 +/- 0.50, respectively. While mean levels were significantly different, there was a considerable ove rlap of levels in both groups. At various gestation periods, mean HbA( 1) levels between normal and abnormal groups showed significant differ ence only at late gestation. The latter may have contributed to signif icant differences in HbA(1) levels between normal and abnormal groups as a whole. The considerable overlap of HbA(1) values in normal and ab normal groups indicate that HbA(1) may be insensitive as a screening m ethod for glucose intolerance.