Final answer:
Fructosamine is a compound indicating average blood glucose levels over the past few weeks, while Hemoglobin A1c shows long-term glucose control over months and is crucial in diabetes management. HbA1c is measured using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography and is unaffected by daily glucose fluctuations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fructosamine and glycosylated hemoglobin are important biomarkers used in the monitoring and management of diabetes. Fructosamine refers to a compound that is formed by the reaction of glucose with proteins in the blood, indicating the average glucose levels over the past 2-3 weeks. On the other hand, glycosylated hemoglobin, specifically Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), is hemoglobin that has glucose bound to it, reflecting the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months.
HbA1c is a valuable tool for assessing long-term control of diabetes mellitus, as it provides an overview of how well the blood glucose levels have been managed over time. This biomarker is not affected by short-term fluctuations in glucose levels, which means fasting is not required before testing. High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is employed to separate HbA1c from other forms of hemoglobin, due to its unique size and electrical charge.
The concentration of fructosamine and HbA1c in the blood is directly proportional to the blood glucose concentration. Therefore, monitoring these levels helps in diagnosing and managing diabetes, by indicating whether the glucose levels have been consistently high over a period of time. This is crucial as consistent high glucose levels increase the risk of developing complications associated with diabetes.