In diabetes mellitus, which metric reflects average blood glucose over the prior 2-3 months?

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Study for the NBME Form 13 Test with our comprehensive quiz collection, featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions to ensure your readiness. Enhance your knowledge with detailed explanations for each question.

Multiple Choice

In diabetes mellitus, which metric reflects average blood glucose over the prior 2-3 months?

Explanation:
HbA1c measures long-term blood glucose by looking at glycated hemoglobin in red blood cells. Because red blood cells live about 120 days, the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin reflects the average glucose level over the past two to three months, giving a picture of chronic glycemic control rather than a single moment in time. In contrast, fasting or random glucose tests provide only a snapshot of glucose at one point, and a C-peptide level indicates insulin production, not average glucose exposure.

HbA1c measures long-term blood glucose by looking at glycated hemoglobin in red blood cells. Because red blood cells live about 120 days, the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin reflects the average glucose level over the past two to three months, giving a picture of chronic glycemic control rather than a single moment in time. In contrast, fasting or random glucose tests provide only a snapshot of glucose at one point, and a C-peptide level indicates insulin production, not average glucose exposure.

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