Use of Fructosamine in the Evaluation of a Diabetic Patient

Description

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.

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Description

Specialty

ICD-10