HbA1c Test
Our HbA1c test uncovers your average blood sugar for the last two to three months, empowering you to catch prediabetes and diabetes early, take control of your existing diabetes, or fine-tune your glucose levels for more energy and a healthier you.
What is measured
HbA1c is your average glucose (sugar) level for the last two to three months. Our test measures the amount of glucose attached to your haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
A high HbA1c means that you have too much sugar in your blood. This means that you are more likely to develop diabetes and the associated complications. Therefore, it is important to understand your target levels and the steps you can take to manage them.
Is this test for you?
In the UK the prevalence of diabetes is increasing, and a large number of cases go undiagnosed. In fact globally, in 2017, almost half of diabetes cases were undiagnosed.
If you find yourself experiencing common symptoms of type 2 diabetes such as fatigue, constant thirst or just generally feeling unwell, or you are at increased risk of the condition due to factors such as family history or medical conditions like high blood pressure or PCOS – this test is for you.
By understanding your average blood sugar level, this test may help you take early action to manage your levels and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Please see your doctor without delay if you are feeling symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
Who should not test
- Type 1 diabetes
- Thalassemia (all types)
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Other anaemias
- Hereditary persistence of foetal haemoglobin
When and how to collect a HbA1c test sample
Collect your blood sample first thing in the morning before you have anything to eat. Your instructions will be provided in your HbA1c kit.
Results and recommendations
The report will be uploaded to our online portal which can be accessed via our website or through the QR code on the instructions in the kit.
How subscriptions work
We recommend retesting every 3-6 months so that you can make sure your results are improving or maintaining. You also:
- Save £s on every order.
- Get free shipping every time.
- Can easily cancel your order.
How Our Test Works
Collect Sample
Follow the instructions in your kit to get your sample collection right for analysis.
Activate Test
Once you have collected your sample, register and add the activation code from your kit on to the portal.
Back to Lab
Return your pre-paid box back to our UK lab via any Royal Mail post box.
Receive results
Within 10 working days, you'll receive your report with results and recommendations.
Want to know if this test is for you?
Check out our guide to HbA1c
Reviews
Cliff
Excellent service from start to finish, clear communication at every step, report a model of usefulness and help. There's so much conflicting information about Vit D needs and I had concluded that testing was the only way to be sure. This proved to be as I was surprised to find I had only "adequate" levels in spite of regular max recommended dosing, and I can now respond accordingly.
Mandy Brown
Good service. Test report clear and concise. The only downside for me was the colour of the packaging – white writing on a yellow background. I found it really difficult to read. The instructions inside were also very faded ink. If you are doing this for the first time, the last thing you want to be doing is struggling to read the instructions
Elise Larkin
The test was easy to do at home and from activating the test all the way through to the report, there was clear communication. The test report was very clear and concise and written in plain English and not technical. I am now able to take measures to counteract a deficiency. Amazing service from start to finish
Nicola
Simple and easy to use in the comfort of my own home. Results came through pretty quickly. I would definitely recommend to others and I will use this for my client as a nutritional therapist it’s good to get an understanding of baseline levels before adding any supplements.
Sara Jaques
Easy to use blood spot (rather than vial) test, simple to do at home. Clear instructions made this a breeze. Results came through quickly, and were easy to understand, would definitely recommend to my nutritional therapy clients so they can assess their levels and understand if they may need to supplement.
Julia Young
This test was very easy to do with comprehensive results and action plan, highly recommend
Eleanor Lovell
I found out my results were poor after taking the test and started taking Omega 3 capsules. I was plagued with migraines having 2 a week roughly and am delighted to say they have gone. Can’t recommend this product enough!
Rebecca Swanney
A very easy test, hygienic and simple to do. Very quick to receive the results, which are clear and understandable!
Rob Ball
The home test kit was very easy to use and the comprehensive detailed lab report that followed was easy to understand. Would highly recommend if you are looking to kickstart a healthy lifestyle change. Fab product hence the 5 star rating.
Mark Jarvis
Super easy kit and detailed report. Will definitely be recommending to others and using again after a few life style changes.
Common FAQs
What is HbA1c?
HbA1c refers to glycated haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Glucose in the blood can stick to haemoglobin and irreversibly change it to glycated haemoglobin, or HbA1c.
What is an HbA1c blood test?
An HbA1c blood test reveals your average glucose (sugar) level for the last two to three months by measuring the amount of glucose attached to your haemoglobin. A high HbA1c means that you have too much sugar in your blood.
These test results can help diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes (where your blood sugar is higher than normal but does not meet the threshold for type 2 diabetes). This test can also be used by those with type 2 diabetes to monitor and better manage their levels.
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
– Fatigue
– Feeling thirsty all the time
– Needing to urinate more than usual, especially at night
– Unexplained weight loss
– Cuts/injuries taking longer to heal
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, and you are concerned you may have diabetes, you should speak to your doctor. The earlier that diabetes is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. This can reduce your risk of diabetes complications such as kidney disease, vision problems and nerve damage.
What is a normal HbA1c level?
HbA1c test results are given either a percentage or more usually in mmol/mol. These measurements compare glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) to un-glycated haemoglobin (Hb).
An optimal level of HbA1c is between 20-41mmol/mol or 4.0-5.9%. This is determined by recent health studies assessing the impact of HbA1c levels.
What increases my risk of type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes is strongly associated with poor diet and lifestyle choices and resulting obesity. The risk of type 2 diabetes is also increased by certain factors such as age, ethnicity, pregnancy and a family history of diabetes.
How can I lower my HbA1c?
Making healthy lifestyle choices can lower y HbA1c levels and reduce your risk of diabetes. This could include improving diet, losing weight if overweight, exercising regularly and cutting down on alcohol/smoking. For those with pre-diabetes, taking these steps may reverse this.
Do I need to fast for an HbA1c test?
Generally it is better to fast before you take an HbA1c test, though this isn’t essential.
Can I take an HbA1c test at home?
Yes! You can take our HbA1c test at home using our finger-prick, dried blood spot test kit. We’ll send you everything you need including clear instructions and a prepaid return envelope for your sample.