Frequently asked questions

You should be checked for diabetes if you have symptoms and signs such as:

Excessive tiredness

Losing weight

You are weeing more than usual

Feeling thirsty all the time

Feeling hungry all the time

You get thrush or are itchy

Infections and wounds that take longer to heal than usual

Blurred eyesight
As you will only be attending for the blood test, it will be quick, just 10-15 minutes.
If you’re not so good with blood tests, it’s worth bringing some water to drink afterwards just in case. You can also make sure you are well hydrated before coming for your test (it should only be water). If it’s a cool day bring plenty of warm clothing as this makes it easier for our team to take the blood test.

If you’re on medications/ herbal or vitamin supplements let us know what they are as some medications can affect the results.
No, you'll need to fast for 8 hours for this blood test, so we recommend booking a morning appointment.
This result usually takes 1-3 working days.
Any results outside the normal range are reviewed by our doctors and shared with you through our secure online portal. We’ll ask you to contact your GP for further assessment but if it’s urgent then we’ll call you, so please make sure you give us a contact number when you book your appointment.

Diabetes test

Glucose test for diabetes

You can develop diabetes when your blood sugar level is much higher than it should be and your body’s not able to bring it back to normal levels. Blood sugar levels are controlled by a hormone called insulin which is released into your bloodstream by your pancreas. We provide glucose tests for diabetes to check your blood sugar levels over the last two to three months. The pancreas is an important organ that is situated near your small intestines. High blood sugar levels can occur when your pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin. This is called type 1 diabetes. Sometimes, although there’s some insulin produced but it can’t act on the cells of the body to control the blood sugar levels. This is usually the case in type 2 diabetes.

What's included in a diabetes blood test?

We test your blood sugar levels after an 8 hour fast to see whether you have diabetes.

Fasting blood glucose level

HbA1c is the main test to check for diabetes. Although fasting blood glucose is an important test to see what your blood sugar level is like at that moment, a HbA1c test is a reflection of what it’s been like in the previous two to three months. This is an important additional test as the fasting blood glucose level cannot always confirm you have diabetes. It also gives you an indication of how well controlled your blood sugar levels have been over the three month period and so is also useful if you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes. The HbA1c test is suitable for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

HbA1c (Glycosylated haemoglobin)

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Diabetes test price (blood glucose and HbA1c)

The cost of a private diabetes test for both your blood glucose and HbA1c levels at our clinic is £59.

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Blood glucose and HbA1c test results

You’ll receive a doctor reviewed report showing normal blood sugar levels and whether your results are within this normal range. You’ll also receive personalised recommendations on next steps and how to stay healthy.

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