EVALUATION OF GLYCATED ALBUMIN AS AN ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC BIOMARKER OF GLYCEMIC STATUS IN PREDIABETES

Abstract

Prediabetes is an intermediate metabolic state characterized by impaired glucose homeostasis and increased risk of progression to overt diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is widely used for long-term assessment of glycemic control; however, it may be affected by conditions altering red blood cell turnover, thereby limiting diagnostic accuracy in certain clinical settings. Glycated albumin (GA), reflecting glycemic exposure over approximately 2–3 weeks, may represent a useful supplementary biomarker for early dysglycemia.To evaluate the role of glycated albumin as an additional biomarker of glycemic status in individuals with prediabetes. The study included 200 participants divided into two groups: prediabetes (n=100) and healthy controls (n=100). Serum glycated albumin, fasting blood glucose (FBS), post-lunch blood sugar (PLBS), and HbA1c were analyzed using standardized biochemical methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.0. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Mean glycated albumin levels were significantly elevated in the prediabetes group (18.1 ± 2.7%) compared with healthy controls (13.1 ± 1.9%, p<0.001). HbA1c levels were also significantly increased among individuals with prediabetes (6.11 ± 0.31%) relative to controls (5.12 ± 0.34%, p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed strong diagnostic discrimination for glycated albumin (AUC=0.944) and HbA1c (AUC=0.981).Glycated albumin is significantly increased in prediabetic individuals and may serve as an additional biomarker for early glycemic abnormalities. It may be particularly useful in situations where HbA1c values are unreliable.