Diagnostic utility of glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations in the cat

Changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) concentrations, K values (% disapp earance of glucose/min after an intravenous injection of 1 g/kg dextrose), and blood glucose concentrations were examined in eight cats before and dur ing the induction of diabetes, and in four of these cats after they were pl aced on insulin treatment. There was a statistically significant separation of GHb, K values, and fasting blood glucose concentrations between healthy and diabetic cats. Changes in Glib correlated best with the K value and si ngle weekly fasting glucose concentrations averaged over eight periods for each cat while diabetes was induced (R = 0.80 and 0.78, respectively); howe ver, fasting blood glucose concentrations obtained on the day of the CHb me asurement were also highly correlated (R = 0.69; P < 0.001). The correlatio n between GHb and single weekly glucose concentrations obtained in insulin- treated cats at the time of insulin peak action and a averaged over an 8-wk time period for each cat was less but still significant (R = 0.53; P < 0.0 01). It is concluded that GHb measurements are a simple and reliable way to monitor changes in glucose control in the diabetic cat over a prolonged pe riod. (C) Elsevier Science Inc. 1999.