Invited Commentary

Commentary on “Limitations of A1c Interpretation”

Authors: K. Patrick Ober, MD

Abstract

The measurement of hemoglobin A1c (A1c) is an essential element in the clinical management of diabetes mellitus. The single most important advance in diabetes mellitus care during the past century was the introduction of insulin. The second most important advance, arguably, was the development of home glucose monitoring methods, which enable patients to make rational diabetes mellitus management decisions throughout the day. Validation of an individual patient’s home testing accuracy can be challenging but is a critical component of optimal therapy.

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