Assessing postprandial glucose using 1,5-anhydroglucitol: An integrative literature review.

PURPOSE

Recent studies have determined postprandial blood glucose is an independent risk factor for macrovascular complications. This risk exists, despite having HbA1C results within acceptable ranges for diabetes. 1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5AG) has been proposed as an appropriate indicator to detect and screen for postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG). This review discusses the efficacy of 1,5AG to predict PPHG in order to reveal those who may be at risk for macrovascular complications.

DATA SOURCES

An electronic search was conducted from 2003 to 2008 in the following databases: Medline, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and Pre-CINAHL. Any articles relating to 1,5AG as a marker for PPHG were used. The search was limited to any human research articles published in English. All articles were reviewed for additional relevant studies.

CONCLUSIONS

1,5AG was found to be a reliable indicator of PPHG, even when HbA1C levels were within target ranges. 1,5AG may be a simple and effective tool for primary care providers to identify those at risk for macrovascular complications, who would otherwise go unnoticed if assessed by HbA1C alone.