What does fructosamine provide information about?

Fructosamine is a compound that forms when glucose binds to proteins, specifically albumin. Measuring fructosamine levels provides insight into a patient's average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 4 weeks. This is particularly useful in monitoring patients with diabetes to assess how well they have been managing their blood sugar levels in the weeks leading up to the test.

The timeframe of 2 to 4 weeks for fructosamine testing is shorter than that of hemoglobin A1c, which reflects average glucose levels over approximately three months. Thus, fructosamine serves as an effective indicator for medium-term glucose control, helping healthcare providers make timely adjustments to treatment plans if necessary.