Implications of using HBA1_C as a diagnostic marker for diabetes

Diagnosing diabetes now includes a new criterion; hemoglobin A1_C ≥6.5 % which can have significant implications. This review compares the advantages and disadvantages of using HbA1_C as the main diabetic diagnostic test. HbA1_C has greater stability and less variability than plasma glucose measurements but may not always reflect glycemic levels of glycaemia. The present cut off value identifies fewer diabetics than glucose-based criteria. HbA1_C being more convenient could diagnose more patients but this is not yet proven. When choosing a diagnostic test, the limitations of each test must be clearly understood to use appropriate clinical judgment and consider patient preference.