The role of HbA1c in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in Australia

Med J Aust. 2012 Aug 20;197(4):220-1. doi: 10.5694/mja12.10988.

Abstract

For many years, the diagnosis of diabetes has been made through the laboratory-based measurement of fasting or random blood glucose levels, or using the oral glucose tolerance test. A glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) level ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) is now also acceptable for diagnosing diabetes. Caution is needed in interpreting HbA(1c) test results in the presence of conditions affecting red blood cells or their survival time, such as haemoglobinopathies or anaemia.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnosis*
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • hemoglobin A1c protein, human