An Investigation of Knowledge About the Hemoglobin A1C Test in Veterans with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Measuring Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) has been recognized as an important part of diabetes care (Harwell et al. 2002). According to a study conducted by Levetan, Dawn, Robbins and Ratner (2002), the majority of patients with diabetes do not know their HbA1c value or their own HbA1c target goals. Heisler, Smith, Hayward, Krein, and Kerr (2003) noted little evidence or research about whether patients’ own assessments of their self-management correlates with their actual glycemic control. It has been observed in Veterans’ Affairs (VA) clinic setting that patients’ knowledge of the HbA1c test appears to be minimal and that the focus for these veterans is on their fasting blood sugar values the day of their appointment. There is little indication of the use of target HbA1c levels in self-management strategies. This investigation was comprised of a convenience sample of 50 veterans in a non-experimental, survey, and correlational design investigation to determine levels of knowledge of the HbA1c test and relationships between HbA1c knowledge and glycemic control