ACDIS CCDS-O Exam - Topic 2 Question 6 Discussion

In outpatient clinical documentation and chart review, diabetes can be supported by recognized diagnostic thresholds. An HbA1c value reflects average blood glucose over approximately the prior 2--3 months and is commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes. An HbA1c 6.5% (when confirmed per clinical practice standards and interpreted in the appropriate clinical context) supports a diagnosis of diabetes; therefore an HbA1c of 7.0% clearly meets the threshold and supports diabetes. By comparison, a 2-hour OGTT value of 90 mg/dL is normal and does not support diabetes (diabetes is typically supported when the 2-hour value is 200 mg/dL). Hypoglycemia is low blood glucose and is not diagnostic of diabetes; it may occur in diabetics due to treatment but can also occur in non-diabetics for many reasons. A fasting glucose of 100 mg/dL is at most borderline/prediabetes range and does not meet diagnostic criteria for diabetes (diabetes is supported at 126 mg/dL).