International Expert Committee report on the role of the A1c assay in the diagnosis of diabetes: Diabetes Care 2009; 32(7): 1327-1334.

In 2008, an Expert Committee was convened to redefine the diagnosis of diabetes (in non-pregnant individuals) using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Whilst Committee Members were appointed from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), it should be noted that the recommendations of the Committee have yet to be endorsed by these associations. The recommendations1 were published in the July edition of Diabetes Care with an accompanying editorial2 and were presented at the 2009 ADA 69th Scientific Sessions held in New Orleans in June. A summary of the recommendations is presented below.