Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Regarding the 1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) Blood Test, which statement is true?

1. Provides insight about short-term glycemic management as well as glycemic excursions

2. Is especially useful in people with an A1C that exceeds 8%

3. During times of hyperglycemia, reabsorption of 1,5-AG is increased

4. Can be used in individuals with advanced kidney and liver disease

The correct answer is: Provides insight about short-term glycemic management as well as glycemic excursions

The statement that provides insight about short-term glycemic management as well as glycemic excursions is true. The 1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) blood test measures the levels of 1,5-AG in the blood, which is a carbohydrate that decreases in concentration when blood glucose levels are elevated. Thus, it serves as a useful biomarker for short-term glycemic control and for identifying glycemic excursions, which are temporary spikes in blood glucose. When glucose levels are high over a period, such as in the days prior to the test, 1,5-AG levels drop, reflecting these short-term fluctuations. The other statements are not accurate as they relate to the context of 1,5-AG testing. For instance, while elevated A1C levels indicate poor long-term management, 1,5-AG is still useful regardless of A1C levels, particularly in assessing short-term glycemic control; its utility can diminish when A1C is really high. Additionally, during hyperglycemia, the reabsorption of 1,5-AG is decreased, not increased, which further explains why its levels might drop in hyperglycemic conditions. Finally, the test may not