Elevated glycated hemoglobin levels impair blood pressure in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: Deregulation of glycemic and glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1)) levels accelerate the progression of cardiovascular complications in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between HbA(1) and changes in blood pressure of children and adolescents with T1DM. METHODS: A total of 60 children and adolescents were recruited and allocated into two groups (prehypertension and control group). Blood pressure and HbA(1) were measured by the oscillometric method and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. RESULTS: The prehypertensive group had (P < 0.05) higher disease duration, body weight, Z score for body weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and a higher HbA(1) when compared with the control children and adolescents. Multiple regression to predict alterations in DBP from HbA(1) adjusted for age, disease duration, and body mass index demonstrated a positive relationship with DBP (P < 0.05). A 1 % increase in HbA(1) was associated with 1.73 mmHg increase in DBP. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of HbA(1) may be associated with increased blood pressure in T1DM. A tight control of HbA(1) levels may provide long-term cardiovascular protection in children and adolescents with T1DM.