The Dutch HbA1c Lifestyle Study (DAF-Study): Seasonal Variation of HbA1c in the Dutch Diabetes Population - Associations with Macronutrient Intake and Physical Activity.
Background/Objectives: Seasonal variation in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values has been
previously documented, with physical activity (PA) and macronutrient intake (MNI) suggested
as potential drivers. This study combines seasonal mean HbA1c values from the
Dutch (pre)diabetes population with national survey data on PA and MNI from 2018 to
2021 to identify key associations.
Methods: HbA1c data were collected from 24 laboratory
organizations in the Netherlands and Dutch Caribbean. MNI and total energy intake
data were extracted from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey, while PA data
came from the Dutch National Sports Participation Index Survey. Weighting factors were
applied to align PA and MNI data with HbA1c data. Seasonal averages were analyzed
for significant differences, and a prediction model compared PA and MNI with actual
HbA1c values.
Results: Among 5,635,920 HbA1c results, the average HbA1c increased by
0.71 mmol/mol (NGSP 0.06%) over four years, with an overall mean of 52.4 mmol/mol
(NGSP 7.0%). Seasonal HbA1c variation showed a dip in summer–autumn and a peak
in winter–spring (1.2 mmol/mol; NGSP 0.11%; p < 0.0001). MNI, except for total energy
intake (which peaked in summer; p < 0.001), showed no significant trends or association
with HbA1c (p = 0.157). PA decreased by 7.2% over the study period, with seasonal peaks
in summer–autumn, showing an inverse relationship with HbA1c (p < 0.0001). During the
COVID-19 lockdowns, PA significantly decreased, and mean HbA1c values increased more
markedly than in previous years. The prediction model confirmed PA as a significant driver
of seasonal HbA1c variation (p = 0.004).
Conclusions: These findings suggest that PA is
the strongest driver of seasonal variation in HbA1c. Public health initiatives and support
programs promoting physical activity are essential for improving HbA1c regulation.
Auteur(s)
Erwin Kemna, Henk Bilo, Martine Deckers, Christiaan Slim, Annemarieke Loot, Linda M. Henricks, Jacoline Brinkman, Jody van den Ouweland, Steef Kurstjens, Madeleen Bosma, Iris van Vlodrop, Pauline Verschuure, Jurgen Kooren, Stefan Coolen, Karin Mohrmann, Martin Schuijt, Johannes Krabbe, Robert Wever, Marlies Oostendorp, Ivon van der Linden, Margriet van Kogelenberg, Margo Molhoek, Mieke Koenders, Silvia Endenburg, Roseri de Beer, Cas Weykamp.
PubMed nr.
-
Tijdschrift
Diabetology
Datum publicatie
03-11-2025
Datum toegevoegd
27-05-2026
Toegevoegd door