Why does the ADA not recommend whole blood glucose monitors for diagnosing diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) does not recommend whole blood glucose monitors for diagnosing diabetes primarily because whole blood glucose levels tend to be approximately 10% lower than serum glucose levels. When diagnosing diabetes, health professionals rely on serum glucose measurements, which provide a more accurate reflection of the glucose concentration in the bloodstream.

This difference in measurement can lead to misinterpretation of a patient's glycemic status. For example, if a person's actual serum glucose level indicates diabetes but their whole blood measurement appears to be below the diagnostic threshold, it could result in a missed diagnosis. Therefore, using whole blood glucose measurements can compromise the accuracy required for making a diagnosis.

Understanding the context of measurement differences is critical when diagnosing conditions like diabetes. This reason emphasizes the importance of using the standardized serum measurements in clinical practice to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.