Thanks Graham.
Jason, the HbA1C and the suggested formula above is a reflection likely of the fasting glucose state, certainly a cardiovascular risk marker. This applies to a HbA1C of 8 and higher. At the 7sh range it may reflect a defect in post prandial glucose control, which is currently also an important marker.
We like to simplify things, yet our knowldge or how we manage diabetes is still primitive. It is important to balance the triad of controlling HbA1C, FBS and Post prandial glucose in diabetes. Global treatment of patients is the key. Diabetes and Hyperlipidemia are just one of the few but major etiology for atherosclerosis. Certainly the consequence of hyperglycemia - fasting or postprandial affects PAI1, chemotaxis etc.
If I recall correctly, in this advent of genetic medicine, they have identified 9 genetic loci, that can help us in the future in tailoring behavior and pharmacologic therapy. I only have an abstract from Elsevier, too expensive to get a print copy $20, may have to go to the library.
I hope people can open this link - a nice review cme, but a little dated since it discusses in passing exubera - but a solid slide review - http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/8727_pnt