How should I use this test?
Sequential evaluation of fructosamine levels may be very helpful in confirming changes in glycemic control. Therefore, it is recommended to obtain a baseline fructosamine level before beginning treatment with insulin in order to follow trends in the future. After initially using blood glucose curves to determine the correct type and dosing schedule of insulin, fructosamine levels can be used together with clinical signs and an occasional blood glucose curve for further monitoring. If clinical signs, physical examination findings, fasting morning blood glucose levels, and fructosamine levels all indicate good glycemic control, then a serial blood glucose curve may not be necessary. If clinical signs or physical examination findings suggest poor glycemic control, then a blood glucose curve is recommended regardless of the fructosamine level.

In very fractious patients or patients that are too stressed to accurately assess their glycemic control with a blood glucose curve, fructosamine levels can be used together with clinical indicators of glycemic control (changes in body weight, polyuria/polydipsia, client perception of glycemic control) to estimate response to treatment. In addition, fructosamine levels can be very helpful in differentiating stress hyperglycemia from true diabetes mellitus, especially in cats.