Laboratory Testing for Diabetes Diagnosis and Management
Laboratory Testing for Diabetes Diagnosis and Management
This test guide discusses the use and interpretation of laboratory tests for diagnosing diabetes and monitoring glycemic control.
Test Guide
Laboratory Testing for Diabetes Diagnosis and Management
This Test Guide discusses the use of laboratory tests for diagnosing diabetes mellitus, monitoring glycemic control in individuals with diabetes, and monitoring diabetic complications.
Diagnosis
Tools for diagnosing diabetes mellitus include fasting plasma glucose (FPG) measurement, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), and standardized hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) assays (Table 1).1-6 Clinically significant glucose and HbA1c levels are shown in Table 2.1 Generally, all 3 tests are equally appropriate for diagnostic screening, although one may be more appropriate than another depending on an individual’s characteristics (eg, due to nondiabetic illness or stage of pregnancy).1
FPG and OGTT tests are sensitive but measure glucose levels only in the short term, require fasting or glucose loading, and give variable results during stress and illness.1 In contrast, HbA1c assays reliably estimate average glucose levels over a longer term (2 to 3 months), do not require fasting or glucose loading, and have less variability during stress and illness.1,3 In addition, HbA1c assay results improve risk prediction for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.2
In some circumstances, HbA1c is a less reliable marker than plasma glucose. Examples include people with hemoglobinopathies (eg, sickle cell trait), increased red blood cell turnover (eg, hemodialysis or recent blood cell loss/transfusion), HIV, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or cystic fibrosis, as well as during pregnancy (2nd and 3rd trimester) and the postpartum period.1,7 In addition, primary prevention measures have proven more efficacious for individuals whose glycemic status is based on OGTT results compared with isolated FPG results or HbA1c results meeting the criteria for prediabetes.1
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) recommends using FPG, OGTT, and HbA1c for diagnosing diabetes and identifying increased diabetes risk (prediabetes). Screening for prediabetes and/or type 2 diabetes should be performed for all individuals beginning at age 35 years, earlier for those with risk factors (see Table 2.3 in Standards of Care in Diabetes—2023 Abridged for Primary Care Providers),8,9 HIV, pregnant individuals, and those planning pregnancy (Table 2).1 For overweight or obese children or adolescents with ≥1 risk factors, screening should be considered after the onset of puberty or after 10 years of age, whichever occurs earlier.1
For individuals with prediabetes, annual monitoring for development of diabetes is recommended; frequency of monitoring may be modified based on an individual’s risk-to-benefit assessment.1 For those without diabetes or prediabetes, screening should be repeated every 3 years.1
Management
Following a diagnosis of diabetes, a combination of laboratory and clinical tests can be used to monitor blood glucose control, detect onset and progression of diabetic complications, and predict treatment response. Recommended testing frequency and target results for these tests can be found in Table 3. 7,10,11 Different laboratory tests are available for monitoring blood glucose control over the short-, long-, and intermediate term to help evaluate the effectiveness of a management plan.
Blood glucose monitoring (BGM) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) are useful for tracking short-term treatment responses in insulin-treated patients, but their usefulness is less clear in non–insulin-treated patients.7,12 By contrast, the long-term HbA1c measure should be used as the primary test of glycemic control in all nonpregnant adults with diabetes7; lowering HbA1c levels by 1 percentage point reduces the risk of microvascular complications by approximately 40%.13 To help patients relate long-term glucose control to daily BGM measurements, HbA1c test results may be converted to conventional glucose units (mg/dL or mmol/L) and reported as the estimated average glucose (eAG).3-5,7
Alternatives to HbA1c testing for monitoring glycemic control over the intermediate term include fructosamine testing (2 to 3 weeks) and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG, 1 to 2 weeks) testing. Fructosamine testing is particularly useful when HbA1c may not be a reliable marker, such as in hemodialysis patients with high red blood cell turnover, early responses to treatment changes, and pregnancy complicated by diabetes.14 Levels of 1,5-AG are used to assess postprandial excursions in individuals with moderately or well-controlled HbA1c levels (6.5% to 8.0%).11,14 A 2020 study proposes that 1,5-AG be used to increase physician awareness of steroid-induced hyperglycemia and poor short-term glycemic control, which is associated with poorer outcomes.15 Levels of 1,5-AG have been found to be predictive of microvascular complications, independent of HbA1c, in patients undergoing glucose and blood pressure-lowering therapy.16 However, no current guidelines provide recommendations on how either fructosamine or 1,5-AG should be incorporated into clinical practice.7,14 Quest Diagnostics offers 1,5-AG testing, which can be used as suggested (Figure)11 in conjunction with HbA1c to identify individuals experiencing postprandial excursions over the short- to intermediate term. The 1,5-AG test is unreliable for patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors because of assay interference.17
Individuals with diabetes are at increased risk of heart and kidney disease, retinopathy, neuropathy, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Routine eye and foot exams, along with blood pressure, lipids, urine albumin-creatinine ratio, creatinine/estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and liver function testing, are recommended to detect the onset and monitor progression of these complications (Table 4).6,18,19
Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4 are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Test selection and interpretation, diagnosis, and patient management decisions should be based on the physician’s education, clinical expertise, and assessment of the patient.
Table 1. Tests Used in Diabetes Diagnosis and Management
Test code |
Test name (panel components) |
Primary clinical use and differentiating factors |
||||
10378 |
1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), Intermediate Glycemic Controla |
|
||||
92027 |
Diabetes Risk Panel With Scoreb Includes glucose (483); HbA1c (496); total (334), HDL (608), and LDL (calculated) cholesterol; triglycerides (896) with reflex to direct LDL (8293); cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated); non-HDL (calculated); and 8-year risk of developing diabetes (calculated). |
|
||||
91920 |
Diabetes Risk Panel Without Scoreb Includes glucose (483); HbA1c (496); total (334), HDL (608), and LDL (calculated) cholesterol; triglycerides (896) with reflex to direct LDL (8293); cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated); and non-HDL (calculated). |
|
||||
91712 |
Diabetes, Newly Diagnosed and Monitoring Panelb Includes glucose (483); HbA1c (496); hepatic function panel (total protein [754], albumin [223], globulin [calculated], albumin/globulin ratio [calculated], total [287], direct [285], and indirect [calculated] bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase [234], AST [822], and ALT [823]); lipid panel (total [334], HDL [608], and LDL [calculated] cholesterol; triglycerides [896] with reflex to direct LDL [8293]; cholesterol/HDL ratio [calculated]; and non-HDL [calculated]); serum creatinine (375) with eGFR (calculated); and albumin, random urine with creatinine (6517) (includes albumin and creatinine, random urine 8459[X] and albumin/creatinine ratio [calculated]). |
|
||||
8340 |
Fructosamine |
|
||||
8477 |
Glucose, Gestational Screen (50g), 135 Cutoff |
|
||||
19833 |
Glucose, Gestational Screen (50g), 140 Cutoff |
|||||
484 |
Glucose, Plasma |
|
||||
18927 |
Glucose Tolerance Test, Gestational, 3 Specimens (75g) |
|
||||
35181 |
Glucose Tolerance Test, 2 Specimens (75g) |
|
||||
23475 |
Glucose Tolerance Test, 3 Specimens (75g) |
|
||||
6745 |
Glucose Tolerance Test, Gestational, 4 Specimens (100g) |
|
||||
496 |
Hemoglobin A1cd |
|
||||
16802 |
Hemoglobin A1c With eAGd |
|
||||
10380 |
Hemoglobin A1c With Reflex to 1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG)d,e |
|
||||
10379 |
Hemoglobin A1c With eAG With Reflex to 1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG)d,e |
|||||
Other monitoring tests |
||||||
NA |
Blood Glucose Monitoring (BGM) |
|
||||
NA |
Continuous Glucose Monitoring |
|||||
Monitoring diabetic complications |
||||||
91713 |
Diabetes, Advancing Chronic Kidney Disease Management Panelb Includes electrolyte panel (34392) (includes sodium [836], potassium [733], chloride [330], carbon dioxide [310]), hemoglobin (510[X]), intact PTH and calcium (8837), phosphate (phosphorus [718]), total 25-hydroxyvitamin D by immunoassay (17306), serum creatinine (375) with eGFR (calculated); and albumin, random urine with creatinine (6517). |
|
||||
92062 |
Diabetes and ASCVD Risk Panel With Scoresb Includes glucose (483); HbA1c (496); total (334), HDL (608), and LDL (calculated) cholesterol; triglycerides (896) with reflex to direct LDL (8293); cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated); non-HDL (calculated); 8-year risk of developing diabetes (calculated); and 10-year and lifetime atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk scores (calculated). |
|
||||
94588 |
Cystatin C With Glomerular Filtration Rate, Estimated (eGFR) |
|
||||
10350 |
Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) Score |
|
||||
30555 |
Liver Fibrosis, Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) Index Panel Includes ALT (823), AST (822), platelet count (723), and FIB-4 index (calculated). |
|
||||
39165 |
Kidney Profileb Includes albumin, random urine with creatinine (6517) and serum creatinine (375) with calculated eGFR. |
|
||||
7600(X) |
Lipid Panel, Standardb Includes total (334), HDL (608), and LDL (calculated) cholesterol; triglycerides (896); cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated); non-HDL (calculated). |
|
||||
91979 |
NAFLD Fibrosis Scoreb Includes albumin (223), ALT (823), AST (822), glucose (483), personal factors, platelet count (723), and calculated components (BMI and fibrosis score). |
|
||||
| 1,5-AG, 1,5-anhydroglucitol; ACOG, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; ADA, American Diabetes Association; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; ASCVD, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; BGM, blood glucose monitoring; eAG, estimated average glucose; eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate; FPG, fasting plasma glucose; HbA1c, hemoglobin A1c; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; NA, not available through Quest Diagnostics; NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; OGTT, oral glucose tolerance test; PPG, postprandial plasma glucose; PTH, parathyroid hormone. | |
| a | The analytical performance characteristics of this assay have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. The modifications have not been cleared or approved by the FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes. |
| b | Panel components may be ordered separately. |
| c | The risk score, expressed as a percentage, is calculated with an algorithm that incorporates levels of HbA1c, FPG, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as patient age and sex.2 |
| d | Determined using a National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP)-certified HbA1c method that is corrected for common hemoglobin variants.1 |
| e | Reflex tests are performed at additional charge and are associated with an additional CPT code. |
| f | Pregnant women, patients with acute illness, patients with serious comorbid conditions, people with extremes of muscle mass (eg, bodybuilders, patients with amputation, paraplegia, muscle-wasting disease, or a neuromuscular disorder), patients suffering from malnutrition, those with a vegetarian or low-meat diet, and those taking creatine dietary supplements. |
Table 2. Diagnostic Significance of Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c Concentrations
Individuals suitable for testing |
Marker |
Clinically significant level |
Interpretation |
Nonpregnant individuals with diabetes risk factors or age ≥35 years1 |
FPG |
≥126 mg/dL |
Diabetes mellitusa,b,c |
2-h OGTT (75 g) |
≥200 mg/dL |
||
HbA1c leveld |
≥6.5% |
||
FPG |
100 to 125 mg/dL |
Prediabetesb |
|
2-h OGTT (75 g) |
140 to 199 mg/dL |
||
HbA1c leveld |
5.7% to 6.4% |
||
All individuals planning pregnancy1 |
FPG |
100 to 125 mg/dL |
Increased risk for diabetes and adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes |
HbA1c leveld |
5.9% to 6.4% |
||
| All pregnant individuals (24-28 weeks of gestation)1 | 2-h OGTT (75 g) | ||
|
≥92 mg/dL |
Gestational diabetese,f,g |
|
|
≥180 mg/dL |
||
|
|
≥153 mg/dL |
| ACOG, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; ADA, American Diabetes Association; FPG, fasting plasma glucose; HbA1c, hemoglobin A1c; OGTT, oral glucose tolerance test. | |
| a | Unless unequivocal hyperglycemia is present, diagnosis requires 2 clinically significant test results (either the same test using a new blood sample or 2 different tests). If 2 different tests (eg, HbA1c and FPG) are performed and 1 gives clinically significant results and the other does not, the test with clinically significant results should be repeated. If the repeat test result is also clinically significant, diabetes is diagnosed. |
| b | If tests are normal, repeat testing at 3-year intervals, sooner if change in symptoms or risk (eg, weight gain). |
| c | If tests are close to diagnostic thresholds, repeat testing in 3 to 6 months. |
| d | HbA1c testing is contraindicated in patients with abnormal red cell turnover. |
| e | Only 1 of the 3 time points needs to be elevated to make the diagnosis. |
| f | Repeat 2-h OGTT 12 to 14 weeks postpartum and interpret results per nonpregnant individuals. |
| g | The 1-step strategy is listed; the alternative 2-step strategy involves a 1-hour OGTT (50 g) screen in nonfasting individuals; if the indicated cutoff is met (ie, ≥135 mg/dL or ≥140 mg/dL), a 3-h OGTT (100 g) is performed with collection of 4 specimens (fasting, 1-, 2-, and 3-hour). According to the ADA, gestational diabetes is diagnosed if 2 specimens meet or exceed the following glucose levels: fasting, 95 mg/dL; 1-hour, 180 mg/dL; 2-hour, 155 mg/dL; and 3-hour, 140 mg/dL (ACOG requires only 1 elevated specimen for diagnosis of gestational diabetes).1 |
Table 3. Recommended Testing Frequency and Goals for Diabetes Management
Marker |
Target levels in patients with diabetesa |
Testing frequencyb |
| Blood glucose | ||
BGM and CGM |
Patients using multiple insulin injections or an insulin pump: |
Varies for individuals
Real-time CGM devices should be used as close to daily as possible for maximum benefit.12 Intermittently scanned CGM devices should be scanned every 8 hours to reveal glucose levels.12 CGM devices may be worn for 7-14 days (data may be blinded or visible to the wearer).12 |
HbA1c test |
||
HbA1c level |
Nonpregnant adults: <7.0% without significant hypoglycemia7
Patients with a history of severe hypoglycemia, extensive comorbidities, or a long-standing diagnosis in whom lower targets are difficult to achieve: <8%7 |
|
|
|
|
eAGc |
<154 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L)7 |
Same as for HbA1c level |
| 1,5-AG | ||
1,5-AG level |
≥8.0 μg/mL11 |
At time of HbA1c test if HbA1c levels are moderately or well-controlled to detect PPG excursions. |
| 1,5-AG, 1,5-anhydroglucitol; BGM, blood glucose monitoring; CGM, continuous glucose monitoring; eAG, estimated average glucose; HbA1c, hemoglobin A1c; PPG, postprandial plasma glucose. | |
| a | Achieving glucose, HbA1c, eAG, and 1,5-AG goals should be balanced against risk of inducing hypoglycemia |
| b | Suggested testing frequency is generalized for routine monitoring and may vary depending on clinical condition and treatment regimen. |
| c | eAG values in mg/dL are calculated by converting HbA1c levels to eAG using the following formula4,5: eAG = HbA1c x 28.7 - 46.7. eAG values in mg/dL can be converted to mmol/L by dividing by 18. |
Table 4. Recommended Testing Frequency and Goals for Monitoring Diabetic Complications
Marker |
Target levels in patients with diabetes |
Testing frequency when at targeta |
Creatinine level and eGFR18 |
eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 |
Every year |
Fasting lipid profile (LDL, HDL, TG)6,19 |
LDL: <70 mg/dL |
Initial visit and annually thereafter (adults not taking statins); as needed to monitor adherence and efficacy of introducing statin therapy or for patients with CVD |
FIB-46 |
Score: <F2 |
Repeat every 2 to 3 years |
Urine albumin/creatinine ratio18 |
<30 μg/mg creatinine (normal) |
Once a year in patients with type 1 diabetes who have had diabetes for at least 5 years; once a year in all patients with type 2 diabetes |
| CVD, cardiovascular disease; eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; TG, triglycerides. | |
| a | Suggested testing frequency is generalized for routine monitoring and may vary depending on clinical condition and treatment regimen. |
References
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 2. Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S19-S40. doi:10.2337/dc23-S002
- Leong A, Daya N, Porneala B, et al. Prediction of type 2 diabetes by hemoglobin A1c in two community-based cohorts. Diabetes Care. 2018;41(1):60-68. doi:10.2337/dc17-0607
- Understanding A1C. A1C and eAG. American Diabetes Association. Accessed January 19, 2023. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/a1c-test-meaning/a1c-and-eag
- eAG/A1C conversion calculator. American Diabetes Association. Accessed January 19, 2013. http://professional.diabetes.org/diapro/glucose_calc.
- Nathan DM, Kuenen J, Borg R, et al. Translating the A1C assay into estimated average glucose values. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(8):1473-1478. doi:10.2337/dc08-0545
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 4. Comprehensive medical evaluation and assessment of comorbidities: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S49-S67. doi:10.2337/dc23-S004
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 6. Gycemic targets: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S97-S119. doi:10.2337/dc23-S006
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes—2023 abridged for primary care providers. Clin Diabetes. 2023;41(1):4-31. doi:10.2337/cd23-as01
- American Diabetes Association. Erratum: Standards of medical care in diabetes—2023 abridged for primary care providers. Clin Diabetes. 2023;cd23er02a doi:10.2337/cd23-er02a
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 15. Management of diabetes in pregnancy: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S254-S266. doi:10.2337/dc23-S015
- Dungan KM, Buse JB, Largay J, et al. 1,5-Anhydroglucitol and postprandial hyperglycemia as measured by continuous glucose monitoring system in moderately controlled patients with diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2006;29(6):1214-1219. doi:10.2337/dc06-1910
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 7. Diabetes technology: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S111-S127. doi:10.2337/dc23-S007
- Stratton IM, Adler AI, Neil HA, et al. Association of glycaemia with macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 35): prospective observational study. BMJ. 2000;321(7258):405-412. doi:10.1136/bmj.321.7258.405
- Wright LA, Hirsch IB. Metrics beyond hemoglobin A1C in diabetes management: time in range, hypoglycemia, and other parameters. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2017;19(S2):S16-S26. doi:10.1089/dia.2017.0029
- Peabody J, Paculdo D, Acelajado MC, et al. Finding the clinical utility of 1,5-anhydroglucitol among primary care practitioners. J Clin Transl Endocrinol. 2020;20:100224. doi:10.1016/j.jcte.2020.100224
- Selvin E, Wang D, McEvoy JW, et al. Response of 1,5-anhydroglucitol level to intensive glucose- and blood-pressure lowering interventions, and its associations with clinical outcomes in the ADVANCE trial. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2019;21(8):2017-2023. doi:10.1111/dom.13755
- JARDIANCE® (empagliflozin tablets). Package insert. Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH. Updated February, 2022. Accessed February 21, 2023. https://content.boehringer-ingelheim.com/DAM/7d9c411c-ec33-4f82-886f-af1e011f35bb/jardiance-us-pi.pdf
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 11. Chronic kidney disease and risk management: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S191-S202. doi:10.2337/dc23-S011
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 10. Cardiovascular disease and risk management: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S158-S190. doi:10.2337/dc23-S010
Content reviewed 03/2023
This test guide discusses the use and interpretation of laboratory tests for diagnosing diabetes and monitoring glycemic control.
Test Guide
Laboratory Testing for Diabetes Diagnosis and Management
This Test Guide discusses the use of laboratory tests for diagnosing diabetes mellitus, monitoring glycemic control in individuals with diabetes, and monitoring diabetic complications.
Diagnosis
Tools for diagnosing diabetes mellitus include fasting plasma glucose (FPG) measurement, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), and standardized hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) assays (Table 1).1-6 Clinically significant glucose and HbA1c levels are shown in Table 2.1 Generally, all 3 tests are equally appropriate for diagnostic screening, although one may be more appropriate than another depending on an individual’s characteristics (eg, due to nondiabetic illness or stage of pregnancy).1
FPG and OGTT tests are sensitive but measure glucose levels only in the short term, require fasting or glucose loading, and give variable results during stress and illness.1 In contrast, HbA1c assays reliably estimate average glucose levels over a longer term (2 to 3 months), do not require fasting or glucose loading, and have less variability during stress and illness.1,3 In addition, HbA1c assay results improve risk prediction for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.2
In some circumstances, HbA1c is a less reliable marker than plasma glucose. Examples include people with hemoglobinopathies (eg, sickle cell trait), increased red blood cell turnover (eg, hemodialysis or recent blood cell loss/transfusion), HIV, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or cystic fibrosis, as well as during pregnancy (2nd and 3rd trimester) and the postpartum period.1,7 In addition, primary prevention measures have proven more efficacious for individuals whose glycemic status is based on OGTT results compared with isolated FPG results or HbA1c results meeting the criteria for prediabetes.1
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) recommends using FPG, OGTT, and HbA1c for diagnosing diabetes and identifying increased diabetes risk (prediabetes). Screening for prediabetes and/or type 2 diabetes should be performed for all individuals beginning at age 35 years, earlier for those with risk factors (see Table 2.3 in Standards of Care in Diabetes—2023 Abridged for Primary Care Providers),8,9 HIV, pregnant individuals, and those planning pregnancy (Table 2).1 For overweight or obese children or adolescents with ≥1 risk factors, screening should be considered after the onset of puberty or after 10 years of age, whichever occurs earlier.1
For individuals with prediabetes, annual monitoring for development of diabetes is recommended; frequency of monitoring may be modified based on an individual’s risk-to-benefit assessment.1 For those without diabetes or prediabetes, screening should be repeated every 3 years.1
Management
Following a diagnosis of diabetes, a combination of laboratory and clinical tests can be used to monitor blood glucose control, detect onset and progression of diabetic complications, and predict treatment response. Recommended testing frequency and target results for these tests can be found in Table 3. 7,10,11 Different laboratory tests are available for monitoring blood glucose control over the short-, long-, and intermediate term to help evaluate the effectiveness of a management plan.
Blood glucose monitoring (BGM) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) are useful for tracking short-term treatment responses in insulin-treated patients, but their usefulness is less clear in non–insulin-treated patients.7,12 By contrast, the long-term HbA1c measure should be used as the primary test of glycemic control in all nonpregnant adults with diabetes7; lowering HbA1c levels by 1 percentage point reduces the risk of microvascular complications by approximately 40%.13 To help patients relate long-term glucose control to daily BGM measurements, HbA1c test results may be converted to conventional glucose units (mg/dL or mmol/L) and reported as the estimated average glucose (eAG).3-5,7
Alternatives to HbA1c testing for monitoring glycemic control over the intermediate term include fructosamine testing (2 to 3 weeks) and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG, 1 to 2 weeks) testing. Fructosamine testing is particularly useful when HbA1c may not be a reliable marker, such as in hemodialysis patients with high red blood cell turnover, early responses to treatment changes, and pregnancy complicated by diabetes.14 Levels of 1,5-AG are used to assess postprandial excursions in individuals with moderately or well-controlled HbA1c levels (6.5% to 8.0%).11,14 A 2020 study proposes that 1,5-AG be used to increase physician awareness of steroid-induced hyperglycemia and poor short-term glycemic control, which is associated with poorer outcomes.15 Levels of 1,5-AG have been found to be predictive of microvascular complications, independent of HbA1c, in patients undergoing glucose and blood pressure-lowering therapy.16 However, no current guidelines provide recommendations on how either fructosamine or 1,5-AG should be incorporated into clinical practice.7,14 Quest Diagnostics offers 1,5-AG testing, which can be used as suggested (Figure)11 in conjunction with HbA1c to identify individuals experiencing postprandial excursions over the short- to intermediate term. The 1,5-AG test is unreliable for patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors because of assay interference.17
Individuals with diabetes are at increased risk of heart and kidney disease, retinopathy, neuropathy, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Routine eye and foot exams, along with blood pressure, lipids, urine albumin-creatinine ratio, creatinine/estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and liver function testing, are recommended to detect the onset and monitor progression of these complications (Table 4).6,18,19
Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4 are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Test selection and interpretation, diagnosis, and patient management decisions should be based on the physician’s education, clinical expertise, and assessment of the patient.
Table 1. Tests Used in Diabetes Diagnosis and Management
Test code |
Test name (panel components) |
Primary clinical use and differentiating factors |
||||
10378 |
1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), Intermediate Glycemic Controla |
|
||||
92027 |
Diabetes Risk Panel With Scoreb Includes glucose (483); HbA1c (496); total (334), HDL (608), and LDL (calculated) cholesterol; triglycerides (896) with reflex to direct LDL (8293); cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated); non-HDL (calculated); and 8-year risk of developing diabetes (calculated). |
|
||||
91920 |
Diabetes Risk Panel Without Scoreb Includes glucose (483); HbA1c (496); total (334), HDL (608), and LDL (calculated) cholesterol; triglycerides (896) with reflex to direct LDL (8293); cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated); and non-HDL (calculated). |
|
||||
91712 |
Diabetes, Newly Diagnosed and Monitoring Panelb Includes glucose (483); HbA1c (496); hepatic function panel (total protein [754], albumin [223], globulin [calculated], albumin/globulin ratio [calculated], total [287], direct [285], and indirect [calculated] bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase [234], AST [822], and ALT [823]); lipid panel (total [334], HDL [608], and LDL [calculated] cholesterol; triglycerides [896] with reflex to direct LDL [8293]; cholesterol/HDL ratio [calculated]; and non-HDL [calculated]); serum creatinine (375) with eGFR (calculated); and albumin, random urine with creatinine (6517) (includes albumin and creatinine, random urine 8459[X] and albumin/creatinine ratio [calculated]). |
|
||||
8340 |
Fructosamine |
|
||||
8477 |
Glucose, Gestational Screen (50g), 135 Cutoff |
|
||||
19833 |
Glucose, Gestational Screen (50g), 140 Cutoff |
|||||
484 |
Glucose, Plasma |
|
||||
18927 |
Glucose Tolerance Test, Gestational, 3 Specimens (75g) |
|
||||
35181 |
Glucose Tolerance Test, 2 Specimens (75g) |
|
||||
23475 |
Glucose Tolerance Test, 3 Specimens (75g) |
|
||||
6745 |
Glucose Tolerance Test, Gestational, 4 Specimens (100g) |
|
||||
496 |
Hemoglobin A1cd |
|
||||
16802 |
Hemoglobin A1c With eAGd |
|
||||
10380 |
Hemoglobin A1c With Reflex to 1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG)d,e |
|
||||
10379 |
Hemoglobin A1c With eAG With Reflex to 1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG)d,e |
|||||
Other monitoring tests |
||||||
NA |
Blood Glucose Monitoring (BGM) |
|
||||
NA |
Continuous Glucose Monitoring |
|||||
Monitoring diabetic complications |
||||||
91713 |
Diabetes, Advancing Chronic Kidney Disease Management Panelb Includes electrolyte panel (34392) (includes sodium [836], potassium [733], chloride [330], carbon dioxide [310]), hemoglobin (510[X]), intact PTH and calcium (8837), phosphate (phosphorus [718]), total 25-hydroxyvitamin D by immunoassay (17306), serum creatinine (375) with eGFR (calculated); and albumin, random urine with creatinine (6517). |
|
||||
92062 |
Diabetes and ASCVD Risk Panel With Scoresb Includes glucose (483); HbA1c (496); total (334), HDL (608), and LDL (calculated) cholesterol; triglycerides (896) with reflex to direct LDL (8293); cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated); non-HDL (calculated); 8-year risk of developing diabetes (calculated); and 10-year and lifetime atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk scores (calculated). |
|
||||
94588 |
Cystatin C With Glomerular Filtration Rate, Estimated (eGFR) |
|
||||
10350 |
Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) Score |
|
||||
30555 |
Liver Fibrosis, Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) Index Panel Includes ALT (823), AST (822), platelet count (723), and FIB-4 index (calculated). |
|
||||
39165 |
Kidney Profileb Includes albumin, random urine with creatinine (6517) and serum creatinine (375) with calculated eGFR. |
|
||||
7600(X) |
Lipid Panel, Standardb Includes total (334), HDL (608), and LDL (calculated) cholesterol; triglycerides (896); cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated); non-HDL (calculated). |
|
||||
91979 |
NAFLD Fibrosis Scoreb Includes albumin (223), ALT (823), AST (822), glucose (483), personal factors, platelet count (723), and calculated components (BMI and fibrosis score). |
|
||||
| 1,5-AG, 1,5-anhydroglucitol; ACOG, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; ADA, American Diabetes Association; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; ASCVD, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; BGM, blood glucose monitoring; eAG, estimated average glucose; eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate; FPG, fasting plasma glucose; HbA1c, hemoglobin A1c; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; NA, not available through Quest Diagnostics; NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; OGTT, oral glucose tolerance test; PPG, postprandial plasma glucose; PTH, parathyroid hormone. | |
| a | The analytical performance characteristics of this assay have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. The modifications have not been cleared or approved by the FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes. |
| b | Panel components may be ordered separately. |
| c | The risk score, expressed as a percentage, is calculated with an algorithm that incorporates levels of HbA1c, FPG, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as patient age and sex.2 |
| d | Determined using a National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP)-certified HbA1c method that is corrected for common hemoglobin variants.1 |
| e | Reflex tests are performed at additional charge and are associated with an additional CPT code. |
| f | Pregnant women, patients with acute illness, patients with serious comorbid conditions, people with extremes of muscle mass (eg, bodybuilders, patients with amputation, paraplegia, muscle-wasting disease, or a neuromuscular disorder), patients suffering from malnutrition, those with a vegetarian or low-meat diet, and those taking creatine dietary supplements. |
Table 2. Diagnostic Significance of Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c Concentrations
Individuals suitable for testing |
Marker |
Clinically significant level |
Interpretation |
Nonpregnant individuals with diabetes risk factors or age ≥35 years1 |
FPG |
≥126 mg/dL |
Diabetes mellitusa,b,c |
2-h OGTT (75 g) |
≥200 mg/dL |
||
HbA1c leveld |
≥6.5% |
||
FPG |
100 to 125 mg/dL |
Prediabetesb |
|
2-h OGTT (75 g) |
140 to 199 mg/dL |
||
HbA1c leveld |
5.7% to 6.4% |
||
All individuals planning pregnancy1 |
FPG |
100 to 125 mg/dL |
Increased risk for diabetes and adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes |
HbA1c leveld |
5.9% to 6.4% |
||
| All pregnant individuals (24-28 weeks of gestation)1 | 2-h OGTT (75 g) | ||
|
≥92 mg/dL |
Gestational diabetese,f,g |
|
|
≥180 mg/dL |
||
|
|
≥153 mg/dL |
| ACOG, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; ADA, American Diabetes Association; FPG, fasting plasma glucose; HbA1c, hemoglobin A1c; OGTT, oral glucose tolerance test. | |
| a | Unless unequivocal hyperglycemia is present, diagnosis requires 2 clinically significant test results (either the same test using a new blood sample or 2 different tests). If 2 different tests (eg, HbA1c and FPG) are performed and 1 gives clinically significant results and the other does not, the test with clinically significant results should be repeated. If the repeat test result is also clinically significant, diabetes is diagnosed. |
| b | If tests are normal, repeat testing at 3-year intervals, sooner if change in symptoms or risk (eg, weight gain). |
| c | If tests are close to diagnostic thresholds, repeat testing in 3 to 6 months. |
| d | HbA1c testing is contraindicated in patients with abnormal red cell turnover. |
| e | Only 1 of the 3 time points needs to be elevated to make the diagnosis. |
| f | Repeat 2-h OGTT 12 to 14 weeks postpartum and interpret results per nonpregnant individuals. |
| g | The 1-step strategy is listed; the alternative 2-step strategy involves a 1-hour OGTT (50 g) screen in nonfasting individuals; if the indicated cutoff is met (ie, ≥135 mg/dL or ≥140 mg/dL), a 3-h OGTT (100 g) is performed with collection of 4 specimens (fasting, 1-, 2-, and 3-hour). According to the ADA, gestational diabetes is diagnosed if 2 specimens meet or exceed the following glucose levels: fasting, 95 mg/dL; 1-hour, 180 mg/dL; 2-hour, 155 mg/dL; and 3-hour, 140 mg/dL (ACOG requires only 1 elevated specimen for diagnosis of gestational diabetes).1 |
Table 3. Recommended Testing Frequency and Goals for Diabetes Management
Marker |
Target levels in patients with diabetesa |
Testing frequencyb |
| Blood glucose | ||
BGM and CGM |
Patients using multiple insulin injections or an insulin pump: |
Varies for individuals
Real-time CGM devices should be used as close to daily as possible for maximum benefit.12 Intermittently scanned CGM devices should be scanned every 8 hours to reveal glucose levels.12 CGM devices may be worn for 7-14 days (data may be blinded or visible to the wearer).12 |
HbA1c test |
||
HbA1c level |
Nonpregnant adults: <7.0% without significant hypoglycemia7
Patients with a history of severe hypoglycemia, extensive comorbidities, or a long-standing diagnosis in whom lower targets are difficult to achieve: <8%7 |
|
|
|
|
eAGc |
<154 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L)7 |
Same as for HbA1c level |
| 1,5-AG | ||
1,5-AG level |
≥8.0 μg/mL11 |
At time of HbA1c test if HbA1c levels are moderately or well-controlled to detect PPG excursions. |
| 1,5-AG, 1,5-anhydroglucitol; BGM, blood glucose monitoring; CGM, continuous glucose monitoring; eAG, estimated average glucose; HbA1c, hemoglobin A1c; PPG, postprandial plasma glucose. | |
| a | Achieving glucose, HbA1c, eAG, and 1,5-AG goals should be balanced against risk of inducing hypoglycemia |
| b | Suggested testing frequency is generalized for routine monitoring and may vary depending on clinical condition and treatment regimen. |
| c | eAG values in mg/dL are calculated by converting HbA1c levels to eAG using the following formula4,5: eAG = HbA1c x 28.7 - 46.7. eAG values in mg/dL can be converted to mmol/L by dividing by 18. |
Table 4. Recommended Testing Frequency and Goals for Monitoring Diabetic Complications
Marker |
Target levels in patients with diabetes |
Testing frequency when at targeta |
Creatinine level and eGFR18 |
eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 |
Every year |
Fasting lipid profile (LDL, HDL, TG)6,19 |
LDL: <70 mg/dL |
Initial visit and annually thereafter (adults not taking statins); as needed to monitor adherence and efficacy of introducing statin therapy or for patients with CVD |
FIB-46 |
Score: <F2 |
Repeat every 2 to 3 years |
Urine albumin/creatinine ratio18 |
<30 μg/mg creatinine (normal) |
Once a year in patients with type 1 diabetes who have had diabetes for at least 5 years; once a year in all patients with type 2 diabetes |
| CVD, cardiovascular disease; eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; TG, triglycerides. | |
| a | Suggested testing frequency is generalized for routine monitoring and may vary depending on clinical condition and treatment regimen. |
References
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 2. Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S19-S40. doi:10.2337/dc23-S002
- Leong A, Daya N, Porneala B, et al. Prediction of type 2 diabetes by hemoglobin A1c in two community-based cohorts. Diabetes Care. 2018;41(1):60-68. doi:10.2337/dc17-0607
- Understanding A1C. A1C and eAG. American Diabetes Association. Accessed January 19, 2023. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/a1c-test-meaning/a1c-and-eag
- eAG/A1C conversion calculator. American Diabetes Association. Accessed January 19, 2013. http://professional.diabetes.org/diapro/glucose_calc.
- Nathan DM, Kuenen J, Borg R, et al. Translating the A1C assay into estimated average glucose values. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(8):1473-1478. doi:10.2337/dc08-0545
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 4. Comprehensive medical evaluation and assessment of comorbidities: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S49-S67. doi:10.2337/dc23-S004
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 6. Gycemic targets: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S97-S119. doi:10.2337/dc23-S006
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes—2023 abridged for primary care providers. Clin Diabetes. 2023;41(1):4-31. doi:10.2337/cd23-as01
- American Diabetes Association. Erratum: Standards of medical care in diabetes—2023 abridged for primary care providers. Clin Diabetes. 2023;cd23er02a doi:10.2337/cd23-er02a
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 15. Management of diabetes in pregnancy: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S254-S266. doi:10.2337/dc23-S015
- Dungan KM, Buse JB, Largay J, et al. 1,5-Anhydroglucitol and postprandial hyperglycemia as measured by continuous glucose monitoring system in moderately controlled patients with diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2006;29(6):1214-1219. doi:10.2337/dc06-1910
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 7. Diabetes technology: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S111-S127. doi:10.2337/dc23-S007
- Stratton IM, Adler AI, Neil HA, et al. Association of glycaemia with macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 35): prospective observational study. BMJ. 2000;321(7258):405-412. doi:10.1136/bmj.321.7258.405
- Wright LA, Hirsch IB. Metrics beyond hemoglobin A1C in diabetes management: time in range, hypoglycemia, and other parameters. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2017;19(S2):S16-S26. doi:10.1089/dia.2017.0029
- Peabody J, Paculdo D, Acelajado MC, et al. Finding the clinical utility of 1,5-anhydroglucitol among primary care practitioners. J Clin Transl Endocrinol. 2020;20:100224. doi:10.1016/j.jcte.2020.100224
- Selvin E, Wang D, McEvoy JW, et al. Response of 1,5-anhydroglucitol level to intensive glucose- and blood-pressure lowering interventions, and its associations with clinical outcomes in the ADVANCE trial. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2019;21(8):2017-2023. doi:10.1111/dom.13755
- JARDIANCE® (empagliflozin tablets). Package insert. Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH. Updated February, 2022. Accessed February 21, 2023. https://content.boehringer-ingelheim.com/DAM/7d9c411c-ec33-4f82-886f-af1e011f35bb/jardiance-us-pi.pdf
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 11. Chronic kidney disease and risk management: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S191-S202. doi:10.2337/dc23-S011
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 10. Cardiovascular disease and risk management: standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(suppl 1):S158-S190. doi:10.2337/dc23-S010
Content reviewed 03/2023
