What should be monitored regularly to assess long-term glucose control in patients with diabetes?

The Hemoglobin A1c level is the primary marker used to assess long-term glucose control in patients with diabetes. It reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months by measuring the percentage of glucose that has attached to hemoglobin molecules in the red blood cells. This provides patients and healthcare providers with important information about how well blood sugar levels have been managed over time, allowing for appropriate adjustments in treatment plans and lifestyle modifications.

Fasting blood glucose level, while useful for assessing short-term glycemic control, does not provide the same comprehensive overview of average blood sugar levels over an extended period as Hemoglobin A1c does. Cholesterol levels and blood pressure, although important aspects of overall health management for individuals with diabetes, specifically do not reflect glucose control and are monitored for different reasons related to cardiovascular risk and general health status.