This potentially lifesaving home test checks your level of HbA1c which is the biomarker used to confirm whether you have or are at risk of developing diabetes. If you know you already have diabetes, it is essential to monitor your HbA1c levels.
It is quite common for people to have diabetes and not know about it.
Glucose (sugar) builds up in your blood and binds to the haemoglobins (this is the protein that carries the oxygen) in the red blood cells. This is what we call HbA1c and the amount of it is directly related to the average concentration of glucose in your blood stream.
This test is particuarly helpful as because it checks your HbA1c levels, you will know your average level of blood sugar over the past 2-3 months which will inform you whether you have diabetes or are in the pre-diabetic range. This is different from a glucose test which will onyl give you your level for the single point of timethat you test.
This test detects HbA1c, which is the biomarker that doctors use to diagnose diabetes, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO)
A kit containing everything you need is sent to an address of your choice.
You can then take a simple finger prick sample, using the lancets provided and collect the drops into the tube. You then register it on-line and post it off to the laboratory using the Royal Mail 1st Class Tracked envelope that is included with your kit.
Your full report, showing your results and how they compare with the normal reference range, are reported back to you by email. You will receive your result the day after the lab receives your sample.
All test results are reviewed by the in-house GPs who highlight any areas of concern of that might need further investigation and follow up with a doctor.
Free shipping
Standard Royal Mail 1st Class delivery to you is included in the price and your kit also includes a Royal Mail 1st Class Tracked label for you to send your sample back
Guaranteed next day delivery - £7.50
If you require your kit of results within a specific timeframe, Royal Mail Guaranteed before 1pm is available. Your tracked return label is already included in your kit.
No, you do not need to fast for this test, but it is recommended that you take your sample first thing in the morning.
Unmanaged or undiagnosed diabetes is one of the leading causes of mortality.
Symptoms of raised blood glucose levels can include increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision and recurrent infections.
If you have any of these symptoms or would like to know if you have or are at risk of developing diabetes, then this is the test for you.
For anyone who already knows they have diabetes, regular HbA1c checks at least twice a year are essential to monitor your progress.
HbA1c is short for haemoglobin A1c and it is the term used for the combination of glucose bound to your haemoglobin.
Because red blood cells stay in your system for 2-3 months before being recycled by your body, measuring the amout of HbA1c in your blood will give you a picture of your glucose levels over the last 2-3 months.
If you have diabetes and it is not well controlled then your glucose levels adn therefore your HbA1c levels will be higher
Previously HbA1c levels were only used to monitor patient progress for those who already know they have diabetes, but the World Health Organisation (WHO) have now recommended using HbA1c levels to diagnose type 2 diabetes and as a guide for those who are pre-diabetic.
The guidelines for diabetes diagnosis are:
HbA1c below 42 mmol/mol: Not diabetes
HbA1c between 42 and 47 mmol/mol: Prediabetes (impaired glucose regulation)r
HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol or over: type 2 diabetes.
If you know you have diabetes and it is well controlled your HbA1c should be below 48 mmol/mol. If it goes above that you are at increased risk of developing long term complications such as eye disease, kidney disease or nerve damage.
For some people it can be very difficult to get their HbA1c down to under 48 mmol/mol without having low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), but your doctor will be able to advise if your personal target shoud be higher.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that causes you to have too much glucose in your blood because either your body doesn't make enough insulin or because it's not using that insulin as well as it should.
Some of the food you eat is broken down into glucose (sugar) which goes into your bloodstream. The job of insulin is to move the insulin from your blood and put it into the cells where it is used for energy. If you have diabetes your body cannot 'change' the glucose into energy.
Diabetes is a long term chronic condition, but type 2 diabetes can be managed with healthy easting, regular daily exercise and by losing weight.
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