Podcast 192: Are we too sweet on HbA1c testing?

Over half the patients with Type 2 diabetes have their HbA1c measured too frequently — i.e., at least three times a year. Why is that a bad thing? Dr. Rozalina McCoy, the lead author of a paper in The BMJ explains.

Using claims data, her group followed over 30,000 patients with stable HbA1c levels and found that only 40% had measurements taken within guideline-suggested limits — twice a year.

Links:

BMJ study on overtesting of HbA1c

Physician’s First Watch coverage of BMJ study

A November 2015 interview on treatment “deintensification” (free)