Diabetes (HbA1C) Blood Test

Understanding Diabetes (HbA1C) Blood Test What is the Diabetes (HbA1C) Blood Test? The Diabetes (HbA1C) Blood Test is a vital tool used to measure average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. It... Read more

Understanding Diabetes (HbA1C) Blood Test

What is the Diabetes (HbA1C) Blood Test?

The Diabetes (HbA1C) Blood Test is a vital tool used to measure average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. It specifically evaluates the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that has glucose attached to it. This measurement reflects how well your diabetes is being managed, as higher levels indicate poorer blood sugar control. Therefore, it is essential for both diagnosing diabetes and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment plans.

Why is the HbA1C Test Important?

The HbA1C test is crucial because it helps prevent diabetes-related complications. Regular testing enables healthcare providers to make timely adjustments to treatment strategies, ensuring better health outcomes. For patients, understanding HbA1C levels is empowering. This information can motivate individuals to adhere to dietary changes and medication, helping maintain healthier blood glucose levels.

How is the Test Administered?

The HbA1C test is straightforward and requires only a small blood sample, which can be taken in a clinic or at home with a testing kit. Typically, results are available within a few days. Since this test does not need fasting, it is convenient for those on busy schedules. As a result, patients can easily incorporate it into their regular health check-ups, making it a hassle-free part of diabetes care.

Take a quick and simple Diabetes blood test at home or in our clinics to check your average blood glucose levels and identify whether you are at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, an illness which can take up to 10 years off your life if untreated.

More than 700 people die prematurely every week from Diabetes in the UK.

If you have diabetes, you’re twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke than someone who doesn’t have diabetes—and more likely to have them at a younger age.

The only way to check if you have, or are at risk of, diabetes is with a blood test, like this one, which checks your long-term blood sugar levels.

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What biomarkers do we test?

How our tests work

Book online...

Book online, receive your kit and take to your local Goodbody clinic.

Send it back…

Send your sample in the post to be analysed at an accredited laboratory.

Get results.

Get your comprehensive detailed results report from the laboratory, with guidance from our support team.

More Information

It is estimated that over 1 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes without realising.

This diabetes blood test helps you to measure your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by checking your HbA1C levels, or average blood sugar, over the past 3 months.

A high HbA1c result means that you have too much sugar in your blood. HbA1c or glycated haemoglobin is made when glucose (sugar) in your body sticks to your red blood cells. If your body cant use sugar properly, more of it sticks to your blood cells and builds up in your blood. Over extended periods of time, this causes significant health complications such as nerve damage, heart disease, stroke, vascular dementia, sight loss, poor wound healing, limb loss and more.

 

You may want to check your risk of diabetes if you have symptoms such as:

  • Frequent urination
  • Ongoing fatigue and tiredness
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Feeling thirsty all the time

 

This blood test is also useful if you have any risk factors for developing diabetes like being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle or if diabetes runs in your family.

If you are already taking steps to improve your diabetes risk, this easy and affordable test helps you to see how well your body is controlling glucose, so that you can see the impact lifestyle changes are having on your diabetes risk.

 

You must be over 18 years old to use this test.

Speak to a Doctor

Discuss your results with a qualified, registered GP at a time that is convenient to you. Simply pay for a GP Consultation when you check out today and we will send you the details of how to arrange your video call – appointments available every day, 8am-8pm.

Don’t wait weeks to see your GP – our service gives you answers and reassurance when you want them.

  • No hidden fees
  • FREE prescription arrangement*
  • FREE referral letter
  • FREE fit note if needed.

*Prescription charges may apply depending on your NHS eligibility

 

How our blood tests work

Testing

Take a test, either in the comfort of your own home, with a nurse visit, or at one of our clinics nationwide.

Analysis

Your sample is analysed in the clinic, laboratory or using your home test equipment.

Results

Get your comprehensive detailed results report from the laboratory.

Our customers love us!

Excellent service

I was seen immediately on arrival and taken straight in for my procedure. The premises were clean and well maintained, and the staff were polite, professional, and very efficient.

Sophie

Results back within 24 hours

I wanted to have a blood test after a previous HbA1c result showed I was in the diabetic range. I had made some lifestyle changes about a month earlier and wanted to check my progress, but my doctor wasn’t able to retest for another two months, so I decided to arrange my own test. Goodbody made the whole process very easy and convenient, with straightforward booking and quick service. I received my results within few days, and my levels had improved, which was really encouraging and motivated me to keep going. It was well worth the cost.

James. S

Sent off for 24hour heart monitor

I ordered a 24-hour heart monitor kit on Friday and had the results by the following Tuesday. The level of service was excellent, especially given the current one-year wait for an NHS Holter monitor in our area!

Grace Lee

Got the PSA results next day

I completed the PSA test with the PSE EpiSwitch Prostate Cancer test in Soho yesterday and posted my samples at Soho Square at 10:30 am. I received my PSA results the very next day—outstanding service! Despite a BRCA genetic mutation, I am happy to report that I am cancer-free. Thank you, EpiSwitch. 5 stars!

Wilson. P

Someone from Goodbody called me to put my mind ease

I recently had a full blood count taken by a very friendly nurse at Superdrug. She completed all my paperwork for me and was incredibly kind. I received my results the next day. Because of my anxiety and having never seen a lab report before, I emailed for some clarification, and to my surprise, someone from Goodbody called me to put my mind at ease. I’m very grateful for the excellent service and will definitely be using them again.

Michael. T

Understanding of my fear of needles

The nurse was incredibly helpful and understanding of my fear of needles, providing constant reassurance and guiding me through the entire process to help take my mind off what was happening.

Illy. C

Definitely recommend

The team was friendly and professional, making the experience completely painless. The clinic was easy to find, with convenient parking available nearby.

Martin. K

You’re in good hands

I visited the clinic for a private blood test and was immediately impressed by the service. They offer a wide range of services, everything feels high quality and professional, and Emma, who attended to us, was fantastic! Whatever service you book here, you can be confident you’re in very capable hands.

Robert

Top notch experience

As someone who regularly needs blood tests due to diabetes, I can honestly say this was the first time I experienced absolutely no pain at all with the needle—truly none! There was also no bruising afterward. It was a really top-notch job and made for an excellent overall experience (something I’ve never said about a blood test before!).

Ashley. P

Friendly and relaxing atmosphere

I found the staff to be friendly, approachable, and highly professional. They explained everything clearly as they carried out the blood draw. The clinic was clean and thoughtfully set up to help patients feel at ease.

Lorra. L

Polite and efficient approach

I was impressed by the company’s focus on clear communication and professionalism. The procedure was quick, well-organised, and ran smoothly with no unnecessary waiting or confusion. I especially appreciated their gentle approach and how they put me at ease, which was reassuring since it was my first blood draw at the clinic.

Simon. S

Amazing service including nurse coming

Outstanding service, including a nurse visiting my home for blood work. Full body scans through Well Man and Well Woman were arranged within three days, including additional scans and tests which i had requested. All organised within two days and delivered directly to my home. Truly convenient and efficient service!

Andrew. B

Made a dreaded blood test so much easier

I had been feeling unwell for three years and had numerous blood tests through my doctor with no clear answers. I decided to try Goodbody Clinic and ordered an at-home menopause test. The results revealed that I have a low thyroid TSH level, and I am so relieved that this issue was finally identified.

Charlie. T

Truly fantastic local service!

From start to finish, the service was exceptional. Booking the appointment was straightforward, and the entire experience was well-organized and impressively quick.

Dmitry. R

Results less than 24 hours later

Even though I arrived at the clinic a few minutes early, I was seen immediately. I received my blood test results in less than 24 hours. Truly brilliant service!

Malti

Not sure if this test
is right for you?

Enquire via the form and a member of our team will get back to you, they are more than happy to help answer your questions and talk through the best option for you.

Contact us if you aren't sure, we'd be happy to help!

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Experts you can trust

Meet our Goodbody Experts

Dr Lebeth Jacobs

BSc (Hons) MBcHB
Registered GP & Lead Medical Advisor

Dr Alexandre Akoulitchev

MA, PhD, FRSM
Clinical Support Advisor

Dr Cheng Boon

MBCHB, MRCP, FRCR
Consultant Oncologist

FAQs

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AFTER YOUR TEST

My blood was haemolysed - what does that mean?

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We promise to deliver affordable testing to everybody.

When you’re worried about your health, life can feel very stressful, especially if you don’t have the answers you need. We believe that health testing should be available to all, giving you answers when and where you need them.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Splitit, Dopple and Clearpay so you can pay for your tests in interest-free instalments, if you prefer.