Fructosamine: Test, Normal Ranges, and Results Explained

What Is Fructosamine?

Fructosamine is a compound that forms when glucose (sugar) in your blood attaches to proteins, mainly albumin. It reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 weeks, making it a useful marker for short-term blood sugar control.

Doctors use fructosamine tests to monitor how well diabetes is managed or to check how quickly blood sugar levels are changing. This test is especially helpful when other tests, like HbA1c, are not reliable due to certain health conditions or recent changes in treatment.

Understanding your fructosamine levels can help you and your healthcare provider see if your blood sugar plan is working or needs adjustment.

When Is Fructosamine Testing Recommended?

Fructosamine testing may be recommended when a doctor wants to evaluate short-term blood sugar control.

Common situations include:

• Monitoring recent treatment changes for diabetes to see if they are effective.
• Assessing short-term blood sugar control in people with unstable diabetes.
• Pregnancy, where blood sugar levels can change rapidly.
• Conditions affecting red blood cells that make HbA1c unreliable (such as anemia or recent blood loss).
• Evaluating gestational diabetes or temporary increases in blood sugar.

How Is Fructosamine Testing Conducted?

The fructosamine test is a simple blood test. A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Fructosamine levels are usually measured as part of a diabetes monitoring test but can also be ordered separately when needed.

Preparation

• No fasting is required before the test.
• However, avoid high sugar intake or extreme dietary changes in the days leading up to it, as they can affect your results.
• Always inform your healthcare provider about any ongoing conditions or supplements you are taking, as they may influence protein levels in your blood.

What Are the Normal Fructosamine Levels?

Normal fructosamine levels for adults usually range between 200 to 285 µmol/L.

Note: The units of measurement and the normal ranges can differ depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used.

What Do Abnormal Levels Mean?

Fructosamine High Levels

High fructosamine levels mean that your average blood sugar has been high over the last 2 to 3 weeks.

Common causes include:

• Poorly controlled diabetes: High glucose levels in the blood raise fructosamine values.
• High sugar intake or missed medications: These can cause temporary spikes.
• Stress or illness: These may increase blood sugar temporarily.
• Hormonal changes: Conditions that affect hormones like cortisol can also raise blood sugar levels.

• Review your diet and limit sugary foods and refined carbohydrates.
• Stay consistent with your diabetes management plan.
• Exercise regularly to help your body use glucose efficiently.
• Track your blood sugar more frequently to identify patterns.
• Consult your doctor if your levels remain high, as your treatment plan may need adjustment.

Fructosamine Low Levels

Low fructosamine levels are less common but may occur when average blood sugar is low or when there is a loss of proteins in the blood.

Possible causes include:

• Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia): Caused by strict diet or excessive insulin use.
• Liver disease: Reduces protein production, lowering fructosamine.
• Kidney disease or protein loss: Can decrease protein-bound fructosamine.
• Malnutrition: Low protein intake reduces overall levels.

• Maintain balanced meals that include enough carbohydrates and proteins.
• Avoid skipping meals to prevent low blood sugar.
• Discuss with your doctor if you have underlying liver or kidney issues.
• Get regular checkups to monitor blood sugar and protein levels together.

Which Specialist Should You Consult?

If your fructosamine levels are abnormal, consult an endocrinologist, a specialist in hormone and metabolism disorders. They can help identify the cause and create a plan to manage your blood sugar effectively.

You may also visit your primary care physician for initial guidance or referral to the right specialist. Regular follow-ups are important to track your progress and keep your blood sugar within a healthy range.