Fructosamine is a component formed by the reaction of proteins - sugar. The levels of fructosamine that are formed are proportional to the sugar levels.

Fructosamine is used to monitor average blood sugar levels over 2 to 3 weeks after sampling, versus the widely used glycated hemoglobin HbA1c which measures 15-45 days before sampling

Its use as an alternative diabetological index to HbA1c is recommended in cases of:

1. of the need for more strict, time-based, control over the change of diabetes medications, with immediate assessment of effectiveness
2. gestational diabetes (due to its rapid onset / direct effect on the fetus)
3. of particular types of hemoglobin (including seasickness)
4. children (due to immature hemoglobin)

The expected levels for healthy adults are:

1. men : 188-282 μmol/L
2. women : 161-351 μmol/L

Simple blood draw at any time of the day,

1. 8 hours of fasting
2. 48 hours without taking vitamin C

The result is available the next working day.