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🧪 What is Fructosamine?

Fructosamine is a compound formed when glucose binds to serum proteins, primarily albumin. It reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 weeks, which is shorter than the 2–3 month window provided by HbA1c.

Since albumin has a shorter half-life than hemoglobin (~20 days vs ~120 days), fructosamine is useful for monitoring recent changes in glycemic control.

❓ Why is the Fructosamine Test Done?

To:

Monitor short-term glycemic control in people with diabetes
Assess glucose control during pregnancy (e.g., gestational diabetes)
Evaluate glucose levels in patients with conditions affecting hemoglobin (e.g., anemia, hemoglobinopathies) where HbA1c may be inaccurate
Track response to therapy changes or lifestyle interventions
Use in patients on dialysis or with shortened RBC lifespan

📊 Normal Range

Parameter	Normal Range
Fructosamine	200 – 285 µmol/L (may vary by lab)

🔍 Optimal target values may vary depending on individual glycemic targets. Diabetic patients under good control usually have values around < 285–320 µmol/L.

📈 Interpretation of Results

Fructosamine Level	Interpretation
<200 µmol/L	May suggest hypoglycemia or overly tight control
200–285 µmol/L	Normal or well-controlled diabetes
>285–350 µmol/L	Moderate hyperglycemia
>350 µmol/L	Poor glycemic control; likely sustained high blood glucose over the last 2–3 weeks

🧠 Associated Organs and Conditions

Organ/System	Relevance
Liver	Produces albumin, the main protein measured for fructosamine
Pancreas	Glucose control depends on insulin secretion
Kidneys	Chronic kidney disease can affect protein turnover
Blood (RBCs)	Fructosamine is not affected by RBC disorders, unlike HbA1c

⚠️ Factors That Can Affect Fructosamine Levels

Low albumin levels (e.g., liver disease, nephrotic syndrome) → false low fructosamine
High albumin turnover (e.g., thyroid disease, acute illness) → altered results
Recent dietary or medication changes → can reflect rapidly in fructosamine vs HbA1c

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

HbA1c – For long-term glycemic control (2–3 months)
Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG)
Postprandial Glucose (PPG)
Random Blood Sugar (RBS)
Albumin / Total Protein – Helps interpret fructosamine accuracy
Insulin levels or C-peptide – In type 2 diabetes assessment

✅ Fasting Required?

Parameter	Requirement
Fasting Required?	❌ No fasting required for fructosamine testing

✅ Can be drawn any time of day, and is unaffected by recent meals.

📝 Summary

Parameter	Summary
What	Measures glycated serum proteins, reflecting average glucose over the past 2–3 weeks
Why Test	To monitor short-term glycemic control, especially when HbA1c is unreliable
Normal Range	200 – 285 µmol/L
High Values	Suggest poor short-term glucose control
Low Values	May indicate tight control or hypoglycemia
Follow-up Tests	HbA1c, FBG, PPG, albumin, insulin/C-peptide
Fasting Required	❌ No

Fructosamine

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