Abstract

Significance of HbA1c Test in Diagnosis and Relationship between Glycosylated Haemoglobin

Author(s): Dr. Rizu Romano

Using the American Diabetes Association's 7% rule, this retrospective chart review will determine if there are any correlations between elevated HbA1c and diabetic foot peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes is a global endemic with rapidly increasing prevalence in both developing and developed countries. The American Diabetes Association has recommended glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as a possible substitute to fasting blood glucose for diagnosis of diabetes. HbA1c is an important indicator of long-term glycaemic control with the ability to reflect the cumulative glycaemic history of the preceding two to three months. HbA1c not only provides a reliable measure of chronic hyperglycaemia but also correlates well with the risk of long-term diabetes complications. Elevated HbA1c has also been regarded as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke in subjects with or without diabetes. The valuable information provided by a single HbA1c test has rendered it as a reliable biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of diabetes. This review highlights the role of HbA1c in diagnosis and prognosis of diabetes patients. Diabetes is a worldwide epidemic whose incidence is rapidly rising in both developed and developing nations. Gyrated haemoglobin (HbA1c) has been suggested as an alternative to fasting blood glucose for diabetes diagnosis by the American Diabetes Association. With the ability to reflect the cumulative glycaemic history of the two to three months prior, HbA1c is an important indicator of long-term glycaemic control. In addition to being a reliable indicator of chronic hyperglycaemia, HbA1c has a strong correlation with the likelihood of developing complications from diabetes over time. Subjects with or without diabetes have also been thought to have an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke with elevated HbA1c. A single HbA1c test has become a reliable biomarker for diabetes diagnosis and prognosis due to the valuable information it provides. The significance of HbA1c in diabetes diagnosis and prognosis is emphasized in this review.