Which compound can indicate risk for glucose intolerance in long-term management of diabetes?

Fructosamine is a compound that reflects changes in blood glucose levels over a period of weeks, rather than months like hemoglobin A1c. It is formed when glucose binds to proteins in the blood that are present in a more short-lived manner. In the context of diabetes management, measuring fructosamine can provide insights into a patient's glucose control over the preceding 2 to 3 weeks. Elevated levels of fructosamine indicate poor glycemic control, which can serve as an early warning sign of glucose intolerance and can help inform adjustments in treatment strategies.

Glycated albumin can also serve as a measure of average blood glucose levels over a similar period but focuses specifically on albumin, which has a shorter half-life than hemoglobin. While insulin and fasting insulin levels can provide insight into insulin secretion and sensitivity, they do not directly reflect glucose control over an extended period, making them less effective as indicators of glucose intolerance compared to fructosamine.