Representation of relative risk associated with a range of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values in patients with diabetes mellitus. Note that risks are increased with both high and extremely low values.
As shown in this curve, trying to get your HbA1C too low runs significant health risks, just as does letting it get too high. This graph is from a letter to Endocrine Practice by Richard A. Dickey, M.D., of Hickory, North Carolina. He is President-Elect of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
HbA1C assay is the one used in the Diabetes Control & Complication Trial.
Reprinted by Permission:Endocrine Practice, Vol.4 No.3 May/June 1998
