Interpretation of HbA1c in the Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Era

Description

For decades, measurement of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) has been the standard approach to monitor glucose control in patients with diabetes, as there is strong evidence that illustrates the correlation of HbA1c values with both micro- and macrovascular complications. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, on the other hand, are considered a valuable development in the management of diabetes as they enable real-time monitoring of glucose control. However, there is uncertainty in how best to interpret CGM data such as the glucose management indicator (GMI) along with HbA1c in the clinical and laboratory community.

This webinar will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each blood glucose measurement and discuss the use and interpretation of laboratory HbA1c measurements alongside CGM technology in the care of patients with diabetes.

Target audience

This activity is designed for physicians, lab supervisors, lab directors (and/or assistant directors), lab managers (supervisory and/or non-supervisory), point-of-care coordinators, emergency shelter and social outreach staff, diabetologists/endocrinologists, diabetes educators/nurses/dietitians, primary care providers, pharmacists, and researchers.

Learning objectives

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• List the strengths and weaknesses of HbA1c as a laboratory test
• Describe the growing use and applications of CGM technology
• Recognize the strengths and limitations of CGM technology
• Define limitations in the clinical use and interpretation of the glucose management indicator (GMI)
• Evaluate the role and value of laboratory HbA1c measurements alongside CGM technology in the management of patients with diabetes

Faculty

Elizabeth Selvin, PhD, MPH
Director
Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research
Professor of Epidemiology and Medicine
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Deputy Editor
Diabetes Care
Baltimore, MD

Disclosures and statement of independence

The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) is dedicated to ensuring balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all educational activities. All participating planning committee members and faculty are required to disclose to the program audience any financial relationships related to the subject matter of this program. Disclosure information is reviewed in advance in order to manage and resolve any possible conflicts of interest. The intent of this disclosure is to provide participants with information on which they can make their own judgments.

The following faculty reported no financial relationships:

• Elizabeth Selvin, PhD, MPH

Content validity

All recommendations involving clinical medicine are based on evidence accepted within the profession of medicine as adequate justification for their indications and contraindications in the care of patients; AND/OR all scientific research referred to or reported in support or justification of a patient care recommendation conforms to generally accepted standards of experimental design, data collection, and analysis.

Accreditation statement

This activity is approved for 1.0 ACCENT® continuing education credits. Activity ID #4379. This activity was planned in accordance with ACCENT® Standards and Policies.

Successful completion statement

Verification of Participation certificates are provided to registered participants based on completion of the activity, in its entirety, and the activity evaluation. For questions regarding continuing education, please email [email protected].