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Module CC-10 · Version 1.0

Monitoring Diabetes: Glucose, A1c, and Their Limitations

A working guide to reconciling spot glucose, serial or self-monitored glucose, A1c, fructosamine/glycated albumin, and CGM summaries when they describe the same patient differently. Covers the time window each measure represents, the biological and analytical causes of A1c-glucose mismatch, and how to frame a bounded laboratory communication when the numbers disagree.

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Who this module is for

Laboratory professionals and trainees who work with diabetes monitoring tests at the bench, including generalist medical technologists and point-of-care coordinators who review glucose and A1c results.

Learning objectives

  • Explain what spot glucose, serial glucose, A1c, fructosamine/glycated albumin, and CGM summaries represent, including the time window each one covers
  • Recognize altered red-cell survival, hemoglobin variants, kidney disease, transfusion, and assay interference as causes of A1c-glucose discordance
  • Use trends and method information to frame a bounded laboratory communication when A1c and glucose data disagree

How completion works

Mark every required section done and answer every knowledge check in those sections correctly. The final save completes the module automatically.

Sources

6 sources

  1. 1. American Diabetes Association. "6. Glycemic Goals, Hypoglycemia, and Hyperglycemic Crises: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2026." Diabetes Care 49(Suppl 1):S132 (2026).

    Source note · professional society guidance

  2. 2. National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program. "Factors that Interfere with HbA1c Test Results" and "HbA1c Assay Interferences."

    Source note · manufacturer labeling

  3. 3. National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program. "NGSP Background Information" and "IFCC Reference System."

    Source note · consensus standard

  4. 4. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). KDIGO 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline for Diabetes Management in Chronic Kidney Disease.

    Source note · consensus standard

  5. 5. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease.

    Source note · consensus standard

  6. 6. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Sickle Cell Trait & Other Hemoglobinopathies & Diabetes."

    Source note · federal guidance