U.S. Patients Improved Diabetes Control Over 5-Year Period

The Quest Diagnostics Diabetes Report shows that people with diabetes are doing a better job of managing their disease.

The proportion of test results deemed to represent good diabetes control increased from 36% in early 2001 to a high of 56% in late 2005.

Seasonal variation was observed with peak concentrations in winter months. This seasonal variation in HbA1c has been described and may be linked to decreased activity levels and higher food intake associated with the winter holidays.

The test for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a key indicator of diabetes control. It measures the amount of sugar attached to hemoglobin, the primary protein in red blood cells, and indicates a patient’s average blood sugar level over the previous two to three months. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes maintain their hemoglobin A1c levels below 7% of the total hemoglobin in red blood cells.