Fetal hemoglobin levels are related to metabolic control in diabetic subjects

We have investigated the relationship between fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels and metabolic control in subjects with insulin-dependent (N = 79) and non- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (N = 242). HbF and hemoglobin Ale (HbAl c) levels were increased in subjects with type 1 and type 2 diabetes as com pared to levels in nondiabetic individuals (P<0.0001), and were significant ly higher in type 1 than in type 2 diabetes subjects. Lower levels of HbAlc and HbF were observed in type 2 diabetes subjects treated by diet, interme diate levels in those treated with oral hypoglycemic agents, and higher lev els in those treated with insulin. HbF and HbAlc levels were correlated in type 1 diabetes (R-2 = 0.57, P<0.0001) and type 2 diabetes (R-2 = 0.58, P<0 .0001) subjects. Following intense treatment, twelve diabetic patients show ed significant improvement both in HbAlc and HbF values. We conclude that i ncreased HbF levels reflect poor metabolic control in subjects with diabete s mellitus.