Reduced Testing Frequency for Glycated Hemoglobin, HbA1c, Is Associated With Deteriorating Diabetes Control -

Reduced Testing Frequency for Glycated Hemoglobin, HbA1c, Is Associated With Deteriorating Diabetes Control
Information type: Other primary research
Source: Diabetes Care
Specialities: Diabetes
Summary
The authors of this analysis of repeat HbA1c tests processed by 3 NHS laboratories (400,497 requests in 79,409 patients) conclude that the optimum testing frequency for improvement in overall control is about every three months, particularly in those with an initial HbA1c ≥7%.
UKMi comment
The authors estimate that testing HbA1c every three months halved the proportion of patients showing a significant (≥9.9%) rise in HbA1c compared to annual testing (7–10 vs. 15–20%). Testing more frequently did not appear to provide any additional benefit. They say that their findings support international guidance.

NICE recommends HbA1c testing at 2–6-monthly intervals (tailored to individual needs) in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For those with type 2 diabetes and stable glucose levels and therapy, testing frequency can be reduced to every 6 months.
Related links: NICE guideline on type 2 diabetes NICE guideline on type 1 diabetes