What Hath HbA1c Overtesting Wrought in Adults with Well-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes?

Despite stable glycemic control, patients who underwent excessive glycosylated hemoglobin testing were more likely to receive additional antidiabetes drugs or insulin.

Guidelines on frequency of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) testing vary internationally. In the U.S., the American Diabetes Association and several endocrine groups recommend checking HbA_1c “at least twice yearly” in patients with stable and controlled type 2 diabetes, and quarterly when diabetes is less well controlled. Unfortunately, the recommendation of “at least twice yearly” for well-controlled patients leaves the door open for excessive testing; notably, a U.S. Veterans Affairs guideline permits annual testing for well-controlled patients.

In this retrospective analysis of a national claims database, U.S. researchers determined the prevalence and effects of HbA_1c overtesting in nearly 32,000 adults with type 2 diabetes (mean age, 58; …

Reviewing Author

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

What Hath HbA_1c Overtesting Wrought in Adults with Well-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes?

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Reviewing Author