Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International

With the increasing use of HbA1c as a diagnostic marker, more values at the lower end of the reference range can be observed. As more emphasis has been on decreasing and controlling a rising value of glycated haemoglobin, it is currently uncertain how to interpret low HbA1c values. Various conditions not related to diabetes, but with a fairly common occurrence, influence HbA1c. Alternative indices may have to be used for assessing glycemic control in these cases. It is important that such influencing factors are looked into when evaluating an inappropriately or expectantly low HbA1c value. HbA1c is a biomarker that might have utility beyond just diabetes mellitus. Its role needs to be re-examined as it is a test which is widely available, less amenable to short term physiological variations, and can be easily studied. All that is required is a different perspective or approach to its utility.