HbA1c (Glycated hemoglobin levels) is a better predictor than fasting glucose for cardiovascular risk, a study published in New England Journal of Medicine reports.

     They have measured glycated hemoglobin in whole-blood samples from 11,092 black or white adults who did not have a history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease and who attended the second visit (occurring in the 1990–1992 period) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. The co-relation between fasting glucose levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease was not significant. But in case of HbA1c measurement a significant association was seen. Compared with glycated hemoglobin levels of 5.0% to 5.5%, higher values -- especially above 6% -- were associated with significantly increased risks for diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.