一種家庭用檢測糖化血紅蛋白的測試為糖尿病患者自己檢測血糖立刻提供結果。這項檢測項目已經獲得了美國藥品食品管理局的許可。

這項檢測項目叫做ChoiceDM，是一次性使用的設備，允許在家中的糖尿病患者監測疾病進程、幫助醫護專家監測治療反應。從一小滴血中只需要三個步驟就可以在八分鐘之內得到檢測結果。檢測設備將無需醫生處方即可在藥店出售。這種設備是Bristol-Myers Squibb公司的產品。

A1C被推崇為遠期控制血糖效果檢測的標準指標。美國糖尿病學會推薦在所有糖尿病患者中每年檢測四次A1C的水平。接受調整飲食或者運動療法的患者可以檢測A1C來監測疾病進程。研究顯示A1C下降1％就可以降低糖尿病并發癥的風險，例如眼、腎臟以及神經系統病變。美國糖尿病學會推薦糖尿病患者維持7％或者更低的A1C水平。

美國加利福尼亞大學圣地亞哥分校的醫學教授Steve Edelman醫生說：“這種檢測不僅方便，而且鼓勵患者對自己病情更關注，并激勵他們主動參與糖尿病的控制。毫無疑問ChoiceDM A1C家庭檢測的廣泛使用將在提高糖尿病的短期以及長期治療效果。

Disposable Home Test for HbA1c
 
A test for measuring glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c, or A1C) that provides immediate results is designed for use by diabetes patients at home. The test has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Called ChoiceDM, the disposable device allows at-home diabetes patients to track their progress and help their healthcare professionals in monitoring response to treatment. The three-step test provides results in eight minutes from a small drop of blood. The test will be sold in pharmacies without a prescription. It is the product of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (New York, NY, USA).

A1C is the preferred standard indicator for measuring long-term blood sugar control. The American Diabetes Association recommends A1C testing on all patients with diabetes up to four times a year. Patients who are modifying their diet or exercise regimen may measure their A1C levels to track their progress. Studies have shown that a 1% reduction in A1C decreases the risk of serious complications in diabetics, such as eye, kidney, and nerve damage. The ADA recommends that diabetics maintain an A1C level of 7% or less.

“Not only is it more convenient, but it will also motivate patients to be more informed and active participants in their own diabetes management,” commented Dr. Steve Edelman, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego (USA). “There is no question that the widespread availability of the ChoiceDM A1C home test will improve diabetes care over the short and long term.”