How soon will the test arrive?

If you order your test before midday on a Monday to Friday then your kit will be dispatched the same day. All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail first class post, so it should be with you within 1-2 working days.

How secure is my data?

We have strict processes in place to ensure the protection of your data. Following GDPR the company also operates under tight legal rules about the sharing of data which ensures that data is only shared if it is crucial to the delivery of our service. For example, our doctors see customer results at the time of review, however, after review, access to results is withdrawn. Learn more about your data security.

Can I have someone take my blood for me?

Yes. We offer two options if you do not want to do our finger prick test. The first is a home appointment where a nurse comes to your home to take a blood sample. The second is to visit a Phlebotomy clinic near you that offers a blood sample service. A blood sample will be taken from your vein and we will provide you with everything you need to give to the nurse to allow them to take the sample. The nurse will give you the blood sample to return to us using the pre-paid envelope provided.

Does a doctor review my results?

We have a team of doctors and nurses who look at all results and will comment on any results that are outside of the normal range for your age.

Can I download the results to share with my GP?

Yes, you can download your results from your health dashboard as a PDF to share with your GP. Learn how to export your results.

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HbA1c

July 21, 2020

Contents:

What role does HbA1c have in the body?
How does HbA1c affect my wellbeing?
How can I improve my result?
References

What is HbA1c?

HbA1c is a test used to identify the concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The test gives an average reading of glucose levels over a duration of 2-3 months. The HbA1c test shows how well type II diabetes is being controlled or if an individual is at risk of developing the disease.[1]

What role does HbA1c have in the body?

HbA1c is formed from haemoglobin and glucose. The processing of sugar in the body is such that glucose found in the bloodstream is attached to haemoglobin and forms glycated haemoglobin or HbA1c. Unlike a blood glucose test, the HbA1c test shows a longer-term trend associated with blood sugar levels. Therefore, providing an average of how high blood glucose levels have been over a prolonged period.

The HbA1c test is a good indicator for pre-diabetes. It is also used by individuals who have already developed type II diabetes to see how well they are controlling their blood glucose levels.[2]

How does HbA1c affect my wellbeing?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder and can be classified as type 1 or type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which is predominantly diagnosed in childhood. Insulin is required by the body to regulate blood glucose levels. However, if an individual has type 1 diabetes then they are unable to produce enough insulin to control their blood sugar levels.[3]

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a metabolic disorder which results in high blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia) due to:

Not using insulin efficiently to control glucose
Or not being able to produce insulin in adequate amounts

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:

Needing to wee more often
Feeling thirsty all the time
Feeling tired
Weight loss
Itching around the genitals
Blurred vision

How can I improve my result?

Lifestyle choices play a key role in our predisposition to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Those who are already overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle are most at risk.

The Mediterranean Diet has been shown to be effective in preventing type 2 diabetes. The diet is characterised by a high intake of fruit, vegetables, nuts, olive oil and grains as well as a moderate consumption of fish and wine. The Mediterranean Diet promotes a low intake of processed and red meat as well as whole-fat dairy products such as milk and cheese.[4]

Physical activity is thought to be beneficial in controlling blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss in type 2 diabetes patients. Some studies have found that exercise can reduce HbA1c levels enough to prevent diabetic complications.[5]

Regular exercise can also help to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. You should aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, but it may be necessary to participate in more to keep the risk low.[6]

HbA1c Tests

All these tests include HbA1c. Select the test that suits your personal needs.

HbA1c Blood Test

Our HbA1c blood test is for anyone wanting to check for pre-diabetes, or managing type-2 diabetes.

1 Biomarker Included

Tracked 24 delivery & return

Results in 2 working days

£46

View Test

Baseline Health Check

A general health blood test that checks bone health, heart, liver and energy levels, and nutrition.

Health scores

25 Biomarkers Included

Tracked 24 delivery & return

Results in 2 working days

£115

Per test

View Test

Flexible subscription - Cancel anytime

Ultimate Health Check

Advanced health test that checks heart, liver, kidney, thyroid, and muscle function, nutrition, immune health, hormones and more.

Health scores

47 Biomarkers Included

Tracked 24 delivery & return

Results in 15 working days

£399

View Test

3 interest-free payments of £133

Certified for quality & security

- Health scores calculated

References

[1] Diabetes Digital Media LTD. (2018). HbA1c Test for Diabetes. Available at: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/hba1c-test.html

[2] Young Jeon, J., Ko, S, H and Kwon, H, S. (2013). Prevalence of Diabetes and Prediabetes According to Fasting Plasma Glucose and HbA1c. Diabetes and Metabolism Journal: 37, pp 349-357

[3] Diabetes Digital Media LTD. (2018). Type 1 Diabetes. Available at: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/type1-diabetes.html

[4] Salas-Salvadó, J., Bulló, M., Babio, N et al. (2011). Reduction in the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes with the Mediterranean Diet: Results of the PREDIMED-Resu Nutrition Intervention Randomized Trial. Diabetes Care: 34(1), pp 14-19.

[5] Boulé, N, G., Haddad, E., Kenny, G, P., Wells, G, A and Sigal, R, J. (2007). Effects of Exercise on Glycemic Control and Body Mass in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials. JAMA: 286(10), pp 1218-1227.

[6] Gill, J, M and Cooper, A, R. (2008). Physical Activity and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes. Sports Med: 38 (10), pp 807-824.

[7] Carson, A, P., Fox, C, S., McGuire, D, K., Levitan, E, B., Laclaustra, M., Mann, D, M and Muntner, P. (2010). Low Hemoglobin A1c and Risk of All-Cause Mortality Among US Adults Without Diabetes. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes: 3(6), pp 661-667.

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This information has been medically reviewed by Dr Nicky Keay

Nicola has extensive clinical and research experience in the fields of endocrinology and sport and exercise medicine. Nicky is a member of the Royal College of Physicians, Honorary Fellow in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Durham University and former Research Fellow at St. Thomas' Hospital.