Comparative Evaluation of Traditional and Emerging Glycemic Biomarkers in Diabetes

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide metabolic disorder that can be debilitating to many if uncontrolled. Biomarkers, such as hemoglobin A1C and glycated albumin, are central to the effort to control diabetes. These each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and there is much ongoing research into development of improved biomarkers and biomarker measurement methods. Continuous glucose monitoring is also widely used to closely monitor diabetes in patients today. Increasing, however, there has been research into use of biomarkers in alternative mediums, such as tear fluid or saliva. This review efficiently summarizes the current biomarkers used clinically today, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the biomarkers on the horizon that could advance how diabetes is treated in the future.