Fructosamine is formed when glucose binds to serum proteins and reflects glucose levels 2-3 weeks prior to testing. It can provide additional information on the recent degree of glycemic control when used in combination with fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin values.
Panel:
(1) fasting glucose in mg/dL
(2) fructosamine in mmol/L (upper limit for adult given as 2.68 mmol/L in Tietz)
(3) percent glycated hemoglobin
fasting glucose |
fructosamine |
glycated hemoglobin |
Interpretation |
normal |
normal |
normal |
good glycemic control over past 6-8 weeks |
normal |
normal |
increased |
good glycemic control over past 2-3 weeks; poor control at 6-8 weeks |
normal |
increased |
normal |
unlikely pattern; repeat tests |
normal |
increased |
increased |
good glycemic control today but poor from 2-8 weeks ago |
increased |
normal |
normal |
poor control today but good control previously |
increased |
normal |
increased |
poor control today and 6-8 weeks ago but good control at 2-3 weeks |
increased |
increased |
normal |
unlikely pattern; repeat tests |
increased |
increased |
increased |
poor glycemic control over past 6-8 weeks |
Limitations:
• Conditions of abnormal protein loss or increased protein catabolism may result in falsely low fructosamine levels.
• Some unstable hemoglobinopathies may affect glycated hemoglobin results by increasing turnover.
Specialty: Endocrinology, Clinical Laboratory
ICD-10: ,