What measurement is used to assess long-term blood glucose control in patients with diabetes?

The measurement used to assess long-term blood glucose control in patients with diabetes is Hemoglobin A1C. This test provides an average of a person's blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, reflecting overall glycemic control. The A1C test works by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated, meaning how much glucose is bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells. This is particularly important because it goes beyond the immediate fluctuations indicated by daily blood glucose readings, offering a broader view of glucose management.

Blood glucose levels measure the amount of glucose in the bloodstream at a specific point in time, which does not provide the long-term insight that the A1C test does. Urine ketones are typically monitored in patients who may be at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, which relates more to acute conditions rather than long-term glucose control. Electrolyte levels can indicate various metabolic statuses but do not directly assess blood glucose levels. Thus, Hemoglobin A1C is the most appropriate and widely accepted indicator for evaluating the long-term management of diabetes.