THU130 Long Term Tracking Of HbA1c Levels Across The Life Span In Type 1 Diabetes: From Infants To Young Adults

Disclosure: S. Kim: None. K. Song: None. M. Lee: None. J. Seo: None. H. Chae: None. H. Kim: None. A. Kwon: None. Objectives HbA1c is the most important monitoring value and generally used in diabetes. However, HbA1c may change across the life span according to growth and puberty. This study explores the long-term tracking of HbA1c from infants to young adults diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and analyzes the effects of HbA1c according to life span on complications. Method This retrospective study, included 289 patients (M, 43.0%; mean first visit age, 7.39±3.94 years old; mean followed up periods, 4.32±3.15 years) diagnosed with T1DM. The total of 6368 HbA1c values were analyzed. The distribution of HbA1c values according to age and life period was evaluated. In addition, the differences in mean HbA1c values according to sex and the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) were analyzed. Furthermore, it was analyzed which HbA1c of life period has the most influence on occurrence of complications. Result The level of HbA1c was relatively high at the age of 1- to 2-years, and then decreased between 4 to 5-years. After 5 years of age, HbA1C gradually escalated and peaked at the age of 12- to 15-years, during puberty. Especially for girls, HbA1c increased dramatically during puberty between the age of 10- to 13-years, which was consistent with the physiologic insulin resistance. During in childhood to young adulthood, the mean HbA1c of CGM users was lower than that of non-users. The higher mean HbA1c during all ages affected the occurrence of complications. Intriguingly, the HbA1c level during adolescence was important for the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion HbA1c level change across life span, and peaked at pubertal stage, which consistent with physiologic insulin resistance during puberty. In addition, good glycemic control in adolescence may reduce the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, using CGM in adolescence may be helpful for glycemic control and prevention of diabetic complications. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023