Disparities in haemoglobin A1c levels between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites with diabetes
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The prevalence of diabetes and diabetes-related complications is higher in Hispanics than in non-Hispanics. A meta-analysis based on a PubMed search of articles published from 1993 through July 2007 was conducted to assess the between-group difference of mean values of haemoglobin A1c (A1c). Studies including subjects <18 years or patients with prediabetes or gestational diabetes were excluded from analysis. A statistically significant between-group difference of -0.46 (P<0.0001) was noted, correlating to an approximately 0.5% higher HbA1c for Hispanics, with similar results observed when grouping studies by design, methods of data collection for HbA1c, and care type. According to the authors, future research should focus on understanding the reasons for such disparity which may potentially translate into ethnic differences in diabetes-related morbidity and mortality.
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