<![CDATA[Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is the current tool for monitoring glycemic control once a diagnosis ofdiabetes is established. Its role in the diagnosis of diabetes has only recently come to attention. In the past,many international organizations have discussed the role of HbA1c in the diagnosis of diabetes and rejectedthis application as appropriately DCCT-aligned assays were not used or available globally. Consideringthe high biological variability, the dynamics of glucose, as well as the limitations of blood glucosemonitoring technology, at that time, the possibility of obtaining an integrated average glycemia value bythe measurement of a single biomarker elicited immense interest and provided a powerful tool in bothdiabetes research and clinical management. HbA1c testing was soon facilitated by the development of a newanalytical methodology that was suitable for use in clinical laboratories. However, a consensus statement in2007 on assays used to report HbA1c has now further strengthened the case for a change in the diagnosisof diabetes. Using HbA1c as a screening or diagnostic tool has some logistical advantages over traditionalglucose testing (either oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT] or fasting plasma glucose [FPG]). Patients canpresent for a relatively quick test in a non-fasted state at any point of the day, allowing more scope foropportunistic screening. HbA1c assay readings are less prone to recent influences of physical or emotionalstress and provide an indication of longer term glycemic control spanning the last 2–3 months. Owing tosuch logistical advantages there are calls for HbA1c to become the preferred diagnostic tool over glucosetests. Performing the HbA1c test regularly allows the assessment of glycemic control and verification of theefficacy of medication treatment and of education for self-care. It is estimated that 33% to 49% of peoplewith DM2 cannot achieve adequate goals for glucose, blood pressure, or lipid profile control and only 14%reach normal parameters in these measurements.]]>
Copyrights © 2021
