Fructosamine
Discover Fructosamine levels for short-term blood sugar control monitoring. Track diabetes management with precision biomarker insights.
What is Fructosamine?
Fructosamine is a glycated protein that reflects average blood sugar levels over the previous 2-3 weeks. It’s formed when glucose binds to albumin and other serum proteins. Unlike HbA1c which reflects 2-3 months of blood sugar control, fructosamine provides a shorter-term view of glucose management.
Why is it Tested?
Doctors order fructosamine when HbA1c may be unreliable, such as in patients with anemia, hemoglobinopathies, or rapid red blood cell turnover. It’s useful for monitoring short-term changes in diabetes management, during pregnancy, or when quick feedback on treatment adjustments is needed.
Normal Ranges
Reference ranges vary by lab. General adult guidelines:
- Adults: 200–285 μmol/L
Reference ranges vary by authority. Track yours across multiple standards with automatic unit conversions in LabsVault.
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Abnormal results are not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
Low Fructosamine
Low levels may indicate:
- Hypoglycemia or tight glucose control
- Low albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Certain medications affecting protein metabolism
High Fructosamine
Elevated fructosamine indicates poor glucose control over the past 2-3 weeks and may point to:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Inadequate medication dosing
- Stress, illness, or infection
- Steroid medications
How to Track Over Time
Fructosamine tracking offers more responsive monitoring of glucose control changes than HbA1c. It’s particularly valuable during medication adjustments, pregnancy, or illness when rapid assessment of glucose management is needed. Changes reflect recent glucose patterns rather than long-term trends.
Track your Fructosamine results over time
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