Final answer:
The most reliable measure for assessing diabetes control over the preceding 3-month period is the Glycosylated hemoglobin level (A1c). Diabetics who keep their A1c levels close to 7% have a much better chance of delaying or preventing diabetes complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most reliable measure for assessing diabetes control over the preceding 3-month period is the Glycosylated hemoglobin level (A1c). The level of hemoglobin A1c reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 4 months, as glucose stays attached to hemoglobin for the life of the red blood cell. Diabetics who keep their A1c levels close to 7% have a much better chance of delaying or preventing diabetes complications. A change in treatment is recommended if the A1c level is over 8%.