Glycohemoglobin (A1C) distribution in school children: Results from a school-based screening program

Abstract

Objective: To establish the normal distribution for glycohemoglobin (A1C) in sixth and seventh grade children and to assess the practicalilty of a school-based fingerstick screening program. Research design and methods: Fingerstick capillary whole blood was collected from 400 children aged 11 to 13 years and the percent A1C was determined on-site. Results: Among the boys, the A1C was significantly higher among the minorities (4.88±0.37%, mean±S.D.) than among the non-hispanic whites (4.73±0.41%, P<0.01), but was similar in the two groups of girls (4.74±0.41 and 4.75±0.34, respectively, P=0.88). None of the students had abnormal glucose tolerance by the standards published for adults. Conclusions: A1C in boys was higher among minorities than among the non-hispanic whites, even at this young age of 11–13 years. This may be an early sign of predisposition to type 2 diabetes among the groups known to be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes. However, this difference was not seen among girls. Reasons for the discrepancy between boys and girls is unexplained. A school-based fingerstick screening program proved to be practical. As the risk of obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, increases among youth, the classroom may become an important location for screening.