Correlation between short- and mid-term hemoglobin A1c and glycemic control determined by continuous glucose monitoring

BACKGROUND: Glucose monitoring is vital for glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) measures whole-day glucose levels. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a vital outcome predictor in patients with DM. METHODS: This study investigated the relationship between HbA1c and CGM, which remained unclear hitherto. Data of patients with DM (n = 91) who received CGM and HbA1c testing (1–3 months before and after CGM) were retrospectively analyzed. Diurnal and nocturnal glucose, highest CGM data (10%, 25%, and 50%), mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), percent coefficient of variation (%CV), and continuous overlapping net glycemic action were compared with HbA1c values before and after CGM. RESULTS: The CGM results were significantly correlated with HbA1c values measured 1 (r = 0.69) and 2 (r = 0.39) months after CGM and 1 month (r = 0.35) before CGM. However, glucose levels recorded in CGM did not correlate with the HbA1c values 3 months after and 2–3 months before CGM. MAGE and %CV were strongly correlated with HbA1c values 1 and 2 months after CGM, respectively. Diurnal blood glucose levels were significantly correlated with HbA1c values 1–2 months before and 1 month after CGM. The nocturnal blood glucose levels were significantly correlated with HbA1c values 1–3 months before and 1–2 months after CGM. CONCLUSIONS: CGM can predict HbA1c values within 1 month after CGM in patients with DM.