True figure
One-time glucose fluctuates, HbA1c integrates everything: values of 5.7–6.4% reveal prediabetes - a window for lifestyle prevention; in sick patients, every 1% reduction reduces the risk of complications by tens of percent. Control - once every 3 months when selecting therapy, once every 6 - when stable. The clinic's endocrinologist makes a plan based on numbers.
When is it appointed?
- diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes;
- control of diabetes compensation - HbA1c every 3 months;
- suspicion of insulin resistance in obesity, PCOS;
- distinguishing types of diabetes (C-peptide);
- hypoglycemia - search for the cause.
Diabetes under control by numbers
Glucose shows “now”, HbA1c - average sugar for 3 months (impossible to deceive), insulin and C-peptide - the work of the pancreas and tissue sensitivity. Together, the tests make a diagnosis, distinguish between types 1 and 2, catch prediabetes at a reversible stage and objectively assess compensation - the basis for the prevention of complications on blood vessels, kidneys and nerves.
