WHO backs new test to detect diabetes

THE World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday recommended glycated haemoglobin,or HbA1c,as an additional test to diagnose diabetes mellitus. According to the world health body,the test offers a more practical approach to diagnosing the disease that affects over 220 million people worldwide.

Dr Ala Alwan,Assistant Director General of WHO’s Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster,says the addition of this test for diagnosing diabetes is a positive development,provided that stringent quality assurance tests are in place and measurements standardised.

“Unlike other means of diagnosis,it does not require a patient to fast before a blood sample is taken,nor to consume a glucose drink that many people find unpalatable. HbA1c also has the advantage of reflecting the person’s average blood glucose levels over the preceding two-three months,” says Dr Alwan.

Even though the test is used in India for “monitoring” blood sugar levels,experts say for the purpose of diagnosis,further research is needed.