A prospective and observational study on the variation in Hemoglobin A1c levels among asthmatic children using inhaled corticosteroids

ABSTRACT

Background: The studies in children regarding the effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on the carbohydrate metabolism are scant in India. This study was undertaken to determine if there is any effect of inhaled steroids on the glycemic control. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the pattern of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in children with persistent asthma, before and after using prophylactic doses of ICS and to evaluate and compare HbA1c levels separately in those taking budesonide and in those taking fluticasone or other steroids. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective and observational study, based on a study proforma. Children of 2–12 years of age, diagnosed with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma, attending the Asthma Clinic at Paediatrics Department of SAT Hospital, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram were included in the study. The diagnosis of asthma and the severity was recorded according to Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines. The sample size was calculated to be 40. Type, dose, and frequency of administration of ICS and other coprescribed drugs were recorded on an asthma diary and entered into the study proforma. HbA1c levels were measured in children before they were started on ICS, on the same day of visit using high perfusion liquid chromatography technique and repeated after 6 months. Student’s t-test was used to compare mean values between two groups. Results: Mean age of patients is 5.75. About 62.5% of patients were males. About 72.5% of the patients had a diagnosis of moderate persistent asthma. The mean HbA1c before the treatment with ICS was 5.36 and after the treatment is 5.37 and the difference was not significant. Conclusions: There was no significant change in HbA1c levels with the use of ICS.