Is haemoglobin A_1c a step forward for diagnosing diabetes?

Ben,

I'm not sure of the answer to your question regarding ethnicity, but
judicious use of newer definitions of diabetes could permit inclusion of a
lot more people with HbA1c below 7 !!

For example, taking the converse of Rod Champ's point - people with a
short RBC lifespan should get "better" results !!

they make the rules - i play the game..

Competing interests:
Quality vs Outcomes ? I am a QOF GP