Labile hemoglobin as a diagnostic and monitoring biomarker in diabetes: A mathematical approach (DIAMATH).

Diabetes mellitus constitutes a major health disease and its clinical presentation and progression may vary considerably. A number of standardized diagnostic and monitoring tests are currently used for diabetes based on measuring either plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin or both. The potential utility of the labile hemoglobin fraction has been highlighted by a mathematical model [O. Leon et al., Jour Royal Soc Interf 15(142) 20180224 (2018)]. We intend to explore the potential utility of this novel biomarker in a realistic context.

Where is it being implemented?

The protocol will be implemented at Hospital de Jerez.

What data do we collect?

Our collaborators will gather data from glucose tolerance tests in children and adults. In addition to plasma glucose levels, and glycated hemoglobin values, labile hemoglobin will be obtained. Other relevant patient clinical data will be collected.

What are the expected benefits for patients?

We want to validate labile hemoglobin as a diabetes diagnostic and monitoring biomarker. Specifically, whether a single measurement of the labile hemoglobin glycation level can replace the full glucose curve and other uses of the
measure. The study may lead to accurate, less invasive and more straightforward diabetes diagnostic and monitoring methods. Moreover, by incorporating the role of labile hemoglobin, it may be possible to extend the
well-known ADAG (A1C-derived average glucose) formula that is extensively used in clinical practice to estimate the average levels of glucose in blood. It could also be of use in the detection of hemoglobinopathies and other anomalies in the blood affecting estimation of average glucose levels.

When will the results be available?

Data collection will be performed during the last quarter of 2020 and the first of 2019 and results available during 2022.