For a 13-year-old child with type 1 diabetes, which test is best for assessing long-term management?

The most effective test for assessing long-term management of diabetes in a 13-year-old child is the glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as HbA1c. This test provides an average of a person's blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, which is crucial for evaluating how well the diabetes is being managed over time. By measuring the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated, healthcare providers can gauge the overall control of blood sugar levels and determine the effectiveness of the current treatment plan.

In contrast, blood glucose level gives a snapshot of glucose concentration at a single point in time, which does not reflect long-term trends. The urine ketones test is used to detect ketones in the urine, often indicating a state of uncontrolled diabetes, but it does not provide information on overall blood glucose management. Lastly, a fasting blood sugar test measures blood glucose after a period of fasting but likewise only indicates levels at that moment rather than long-term control. Thus, HbA1c is the most reliable indicator for understanding long-term management in a child with Type 1 diabetes.