HbA1c is widely used as a gatekeeping tool to delay or deny elective surgery in diabetic patients. Two new studies suggest it may be a poor indicator of actual surgical outcomes. Study 1: Cervical spine surgery (ACDF) In a study of 75 diabetic and prediabetic patients, HbA1c category had no significant impact on complication or revision rates at 30, 90, or 180 days postoperatively. Study 2: Foot and ankle surgery (the more striking finding) A second study examined 106 diabeti