title: [Indication for the HbA1c assay, it's interpretation and sources of error].
abstract: The determination of HbA1c in combination with self-monitoring of blood glucose is an established pattern of monitoring of glucose homeostasis. A new proposal is the application of the HbA1c value also to the diagnosis of diabetes, either alone or in combination with the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In the diagnosis of early diabetes, the HbA1c assay is a clearly weaker alternative than OGTT. Shortened life span of red blood cells is the most common factor for the erroneous lowering of the HbA1c level. The criteria of type 2 diabetes should be amended by HbA1c > or = 6.5%, measured twice from a symptomless subject or measured once together with clear-cut hyperglycemia.
authors.affiliation: HYKS:n endokrinologian klinikka, PL 340, 00029 HUS.
authors.forename: Satu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vehkavaara
mesh_terms: D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin