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Fructosamine Test & Glucose Levels

The fructosamine test, according to Lab Tests Online, is used to monitor blood sugar in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recognizes both the fructosamine test and the A1C test for these purposes. Although the A1C test is more commonly performed, the fructosamine test is considered more accurate in certain conditions.

  1. What the Test Measures

    • The fructosamine test measures the level of fructosamine in a patient's blood. An elevated level of fructosamine indicates elevated blood glucose over the past two or three weeks. Doctors monitor changes in the fructosamine level for indications of changes in a patient's condition. A rising fructosamine level could indicate the current treatment for diabetes is not working; a lower fructosamine level would indicate the treatment has been successful.

    Advantages of the Fructosamine Test

    • Because the fructosamine test only reflects blood sugar levels of the previous 14 to 21 days, it can detect changes sooner than the A1C test. The A1C test reflects blood sugar levels of the previous two to three months. The A1C test is preferred for patients who have not had a change in lifestyle or diabetes treatment in the past months. The fructosamine test is used to determine if recent changes in treatment or lifestyle have had a positive or negative effect on the patient's condition.

    When It Is Ordered

    • Fructosamine tests are ordered, rather than A1C tests, when there is a rapid change in diabetic controls such as diet or medication. Other situations include gestational diabetes, which starts or is diagnosed during pregnancy, and cases in which a patient has blood disorders that might make the A1C test inaccurate.

    Accuracy of the Fructosamine Test

    • Elevated vitamin C or decreased blood-protein levels can interfere with the accuracy of the fructosamine test. Further blood tests might be ordered if differences are noted between the fructosamine test results and the daily blood glucose monitoring that's usually part of a diabetic patient's treatment.

    Testing Protocol

    • The fructosamine test does not require the patient to fast before the blood is drawn, and it can be performed at any time of the day. The blood is obtained either from a vein in the arm or by a finger stick. There is no home test yet, so you must see a medical professional.

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