You might consider taking this test if you:

• Are overweight or have a large waist size

• Lead a sedentary lifestyle with low physical activity

• Experience symptoms that could indicate diabetes

Common symptoms include:

• Feeling very thirsty or urinating more often than usual, especially at night

• Feeling constantly tired or low on energy

• Unexplained weight loss

• Cuts or wounds that heal slowly

• Frequent thrush or itching around the genital area

The diabetes test measures HbA1c also known as glycated haemoglobin. Glycated haemoglobin can be used as a test for people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and as a test to diagnose type 2 diabetes in patients with or without symptoms.

The HbA1c test gives an indication of the average levels of sugar (glucose) in your blood over the previous two to three months.

1. Collect your sample at home

2. Post it to our lab Monday–Thursday for the fastest results

3. Receive accurate results along with guidance

Important: Tests are for adults aged 18+. In rare cases, a result may not be possible—see our [terms and conditions] for details.

There is no need to fast before taking our diabetes test. The test is a measure of your longer-term blood sugar levels. It is not affected by whether or not you eat before the test.

Our diabetes test, HbA1c, is a measure of longer-term blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Raised blood sugar and HbA1c occur in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. So, if you have had consistently raised blood sugar throughout the last 2-3 months then our test would detect it regardless of whether this was type 1 or 2 diabetes.

However, type 1 diabetes can begin quickly and so HbA1c may not be elevated in this early period. For this reason, the test is not recommended when someone is suspected of having type 1 diabetes. If you are concerned that you have symptoms of type 1 diabetes then we recommend that you contact your GP. More information can be found here: Symptoms of diabetes | Type 1 and Type 2 | Diabetes UK

Our diabetes test cannot detect the early stages of insulin resistance. However, once blood sugar levels begin to rise, our test can indicate those at risk of diabetes also known as pre-diabetes.