AIM 2: Among diabetic non-HD patients, blood levels of HbA1c predict all cause and cardiovascular related mortality. Diabetes is the leading cause of ESRD in the US (~50% of all ESRD patients) and mortality rates of diabetics on HD are ~10-20% higher than non-diabetics. Leading Nephrology thought leaders and regulatory bodies (tied to reimbursement and quality control) suggest HbA1c levels must be routinely checked in diabetic HD patients. Importantly, the association between HbA1c levels and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among HD patients is unclear (in contrast to non-HD data), and erythropoietin therapy and shortened red-cell survival (common in HD patients) render measurements of HbA1c less meaningful.