Management: State Variation in Hemoglobin A1c Testing

HbA1c test results reflect the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin in the bloodstream, which reflects a patient's glucose control. Persons without diabetes typically have an HbA1c level of 5% or lower. As noted above, studies have shown that persons with diabetes that are able to keep their HbA1c level at 7% or less can reduce their risk for complications of the disease.

Figure 2.6. State variation in rates of adult receipt of annual HbA1c test, 2001-2003

[D] Select for Text Description.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2001-2003.

Key: Above average = HbA1c testing is significantly above the all-States average in 2 of last 3 years (2001-2003).

Note: "All-States average" is the average of all responding States, which is a separate figure from the national average.

• Ten States^vi were significantly above the all-States average in 2 of the last 3 years (2001-2003), with a combined average rate of 92.1% in 2003 (Figure 2.6).
• Although the HbA1c testing rates for most reporting States did not change significantly between 2001 and 2003, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wyoming each showed significant improvement over this time period.

^vi The 10 States are Hawaii, Washington, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Vermont.

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