What quarterly blood test does the American Diabetes Association recommend for patients with diabetes?

The recommended quarterly blood test for patients with diabetes, as outlined by the American Diabetes Association, is glycated hemoglobin. This test, commonly known as HbA1c, provides a measure of average blood glucose levels over the previous two to three months. It is crucial for assessing how well blood sugar levels are being managed over time, aiding both patients and healthcare providers in making informed decisions about treatment adjustments and interventions.

Glycated hemoglobin is a key indicator of long-term glucose control, making it essential for monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes management strategies. It reflects not only current blood glucose levels but also provides insight into the risks of diabetes-related complications. A target HbA1c level is often set for individuals with diabetes to minimize these long-term risks, thus emphasizing its importance in routine diabetes care.

Other tests, such as liver function studies, serum glucose, and thyroid-stimulating hormone, play useful roles in overall health assessment, yet they do not specifically focus on the long-term management of blood glucose, which is a critical aspect of diabetes care.