What is the role of fructosamine testing in diabetes management for dogs?

• A. To diagnose diabetes
• B. To assess kidney function
• C. To measure insulin levels
• D. To monitor longer-term glycemic control in diabetics

Answer: (D)

Fructosamine testing gives a mid-term view of blood glucose by measuring glycated serum proteins, mainly albumin. Because these proteins turn over over a couple of weeks, the test reflects average glucose levels over roughly 2 to 3 weeks. In dogs with diabetes, this makes fructosamine a useful tool to monitor how well glycemic control has been achieved over time and to help adjust insulin dosing, complementing daily glucose checks. It isn’t used to diagnose diabetes—persistent hyperglycemia and clinical signs, plus other tests, are needed for that. It also doesn’t measure insulin levels or assess kidney function, which rely on different tests. So, its role is to monitor longer-term glycemic control in diabetics.