HbA1c — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: A — HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin)
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) is the best answer because it reflects average glycaemic exposure over approximately the preceding 2–3 months. It therefore provides a longer-term assessment of diabetic control that may inform dental risk assessment and treatment planning. Fasting and random blood glucose measurements provide glucose levels at a particular time and can be influenced by recent food intake, medication and acute illness. An oral glucose tolerance test is principally used to investigate or diagnose disordered glucose regulation rather than routinely monitor established diabetes. C-peptide reflects endogenous insulin secretion and is not a measure of long-term glycaemic control. HbA1c targets must be interpreted individually; fixed thresholds should not automatically be labelled as universally well or poorly controlled.
Reference: Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust. Monitoring your diabetes, section ‘What is a HbA1c blood test?’. Accessed 26 August 2026. https://leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-a-z/diabetes/type-2-diabetes-draft/monitoring-your-diabetes/