RESUMEN
The predictive values of fasting blood glucose and serum fructosamine for monitoring long-term diabetic control were investigated in 98 non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. The HbAlc percentage was taken as standard in this study. Despite a significant correlation, the predictive values of the parameters studied for an acceptable HbAlc-value appeared to be low (37% and 44% respectively), possibly due to differences in periods of time in which these parameters can change during variable metabolic control. In addition, the serum fructosamine value may vary due to variations in serum albumin and lipid content. It is concluded that the fasting blood glucose and serum fructosamine values cannot replace HbAlc measurement for monitoring diabetic control, but are supplementary for assessment of this control over short- and long-term periods of time.