Applying Recent A1C Recommendations in Clinical Practice

Since 2010, A1C, the glycosylated form of hemoglobin, has been recognized by diabetes mellitus (DM) clinical guidelines as a diagnostic tool. Three of the latest clinical guidelines on DM address diagnosis and management. One of the guidelines, the American College of Physicians' guidance statement, has generated controversy because it has recommended higher target glycemic goals than the other recommendations. Limitations have been identified surrounding the use of A1C as a diagnostic aid in certain patient populations. Patient-specific and assay-specific interferences that exist can potentially result in inaccuracies in A1C readings.