Fructosamine Concentrations in General Population of Kawerau
- John Baker, MB,
- Patricia Metcalf, BSc and
- Robert Scragg, MB, PhD
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Green Lane Hospital, and the Department of Community Health and General Practice, University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. John Baker, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Green Lane Hospital, Private Bag, Symonds Street, Auckland 3, New Zealand.
Abstract
We measured fructosamine concentrations in nonfasted serum from 7094 residents (82.8% of the estimated population) of Kawerau, New Zealand, including 65 known diabetic patients (prevalence of 0.92%). Fructosamine results showed a trimodal frequency distribution, with cutting points corresponding to 5th and 95th percentile values. Forty-two diabetic individuals had levels that exceeded the 95th percentile. These individuals had more severe metabolic abnormalities, characterized by lower plasma C-peptide and elevated fasting plasma glucose concentrations. Mean fructosamine values also showed a significant increase with age and a highly significant age-ethnic interaction that paralleled the higher frequency of diabetes in older age groups and among elderly Maori people. However, as a screening method in the general population, fructosamine measurement was diagnostically deficient because of a weak correlation with serum albumin. Arithmetic correction for albumin concentration in the sample did not increase the diagnostic usefulness of the test.
- Copyright © 1988 by the American Diabetes Association
