New diabetes test takes 5 minutes

Bayer's A1CNow+ Multi-Test A1C System, which can provide in-office A1C results in five minutes, is hitting the Chinese market, enabling physicians to make on-the-spot treatment decisions for diabetes patients.

A1C refers to the glycoslated haemoglobin molecule, also known as HbA1c. It measures blood glucose levels over a period of time, experts say.

Currently, patients have to wait at least two days for A1C lab test results.

China has more than 90 million diabetics, nearly 60 percent of whom are unaware they have the condition, experts say.

China Daily-Reuters