Monitoring long-term glucose control traditionally depends on HbA1c. However, in patients with shortened erythrocyte lifespan, such as those with chronic kidney disease or hemoglobinopathies, HbA1c may underestimate glycemic exposure. The study, published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, explored alternative markers for more accurate assessment.

A total of 271 human samples with varying HbA1c levels were analyzed for glycated serum protein (GSP) and total serum albumin to calculate glycated albumin as a percentage of total albumin (%GA). Both %GA and GSP showed strong correlations with HbA1c, with %GA demonstrating the highest correlation (R² = 0.77). Subgroup analyses based on HbA1c levels revealed statistically significant variations in %GA across all groups, reinforcing its reliability and responsiveness.

The findings suggest that %GA, and to a lesser degree GSP, could serve as useful alternatives or adjuncts to HbA1c for long-term glucose monitoring, particularly in patients with altered red blood cell lifespan. Incorporating these measures into diabetes care could enhance glycemic assessment and guide more precise therapeutic decisions.