Age-adjusted glycated albumin: a more robust parameter to establish glycaemic control in neonatal diabetes mellitus

Background: We previously reported that glycated albumin (GA) levels increased in an age-dependent manner in infancy. In order to determine whether this phenomenon is true from infancy to adulthood, we investigated the GA levels in non-diabetic subjects of a wide range of age. Methods: GA levels of 376 non-diabetic subjects [average age, 31.8 +/- 23.8 years (4 days-78 years)] were determined. A relationship between GA and logarithmically transformed age [log(age)] was analysed. Results: GA levels were significantly positively correlated with log(age) [R = 0.865, P< 0.0001, GA = 1.77 x log(day) +6.55]. Based on a regression line, we established the formula for adjusting GA levels according to age. Conclusion: We showed that GA increases with age from infancy to adulthood and that normal GA levels are demonstrated as a simple regression formula with log(age). This formula allowing us to use the adult reference range has the potential for treatment monitoring of diabetic patients regardless of age.