Glycated Hemoglobin Levels and Their Correlation With Atherosclerotic Risk Factors in a Japanese Population

We conducted a large population-based study to assess levels of glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and to evaluate the correlation between HbA1c and other cardiovascular risk factors in Japan. A total of 910 men and 1,890 women aged 30-69 years participated in the Jichi Medical School Cohort Study (1993-95). Mean HbA1c was 5.61% in men and 5.49% in women. HbA1c levels were significantly correlated with levels of triglycerides, fibrinogen, and factor VII, and inversely correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol level in both sexes. Lipoprotein(a) was inversely correlated in men. Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and total cholesterol were significantly associated with HbA1c in women. After adjusting for significant variables in univariate analyses, fibrinogen and factor VII remained as significant correlates in men, and BMI and total cholesterol in women. The authors conclude that HbA1c level is correlated not only with classical cardiovascular risk factors, but also with fibrinogen and factor VII. Our results suggest that HbA1c could be an alternative to blood glucose in evaluating atherosclerotic risk in a large-sized population study.