Diabetes
Why This Diabetes Test Matters
This diabetes blood test at home service uses venous blood sampling to measure HbA1c; the gold‑standard marker for diagnosing and monitoring type 2 diabetes and pre‑diabetes, to give you a clear picture of your blood sugar control over the last 2–3 months.
What Is Diabetes And HbA1c?
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the insulin it makes doesn’t work properly (insulin resistance). This causes your blood sugar (glucose) levels to become too high over time. If left unmanaged, high blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, nerves, eyes and blood vessels.
A diabetes blood test at home using HbA1c measurement can help detect these problems early.
Pre-diabetes is the stage before type 2 diabetes, where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Catching pre-diabetes early means you can often prevent or delay type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes.
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) is the key marker used to diagnose and monitor diabetes in the UK. It measures the proportion of your red blood cells that have glucose attached to them, giving a picture of your average blood sugar control over the last 2–3 months—not just a snapshot from one moment in time.
UK guidance uses HbA1c thresholds of:
- Below 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) – normal range
- 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%) – high risk of diabetes (often called pre-diabetes)
- 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above – diagnostic threshold for type 2 diabetes
Only a healthcare professional who knows your full medical history can diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes. This test gives you the information to have an informed conversation with your GP or diabetes team.
What HbA1c Helps With:
- Diagnosing type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes
- Monitoring how well diabetes treatment is working
- Assessing long-term blood sugar control and complication risk
- Guiding lifestyle or medication adjustments
Are You At Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes?
Certain factors increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. If any of these apply to you, regular HbA1c testing can help catch problems early, when lifestyle changes are most effective.
Lifestyle Risk Factors:
- Being overweight or obese, especially carrying excess weight around your waist
- Low physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle
- A diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, or refined carbohydrates
- Poor sleep quality or sleep disorders
Medical And Family History:
- Family history of type 2 diabetes (parent, brother, or sister)
- Previous gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- History of heart disease or stroke
- Age over 40 (or over 25 for people of South Asian, African-Caribbean, or Black African descent)
Symptoms That Need Checking:
- Feeling very tired or lacking energy
- Excessive thirst or a dry mouth
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts or wounds
- Recurring infections, such as thrush or genital itching
Many people with pre-diabetes or early type 2 diabetes have no obvious symptoms at all, which is why diabetes blood testing is so important if you have any of the risk factors above. A diabetes blood test at home makes it convenient to check your HbA1c regularly without visiting a clinic.
Monitor Diabetes — Or Detect It Before It Starts
Whether you’re managing diabetes or want to stay ahead of it, knowledge is power.
High blood sugar often creeps in silently. You may feel fine, but inside, your body could be struggling to regulate glucose. Left unchecked, that can lead to Type 2 diabetes and long-term damage to your heart, nerves, kidneys, and more.
Our at-home diabetes blood test makes it easy to find out where you stand, without waiting months for a GP appointment or wrestling with unreliable DIY kits.
What This Test Measures
We test for HbA1c, a powerful marker of your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
This gives you:
- ✅ A clear picture of whether you’re in the normal, pre-diabetic, or diabetic range
- ✅ Insight into how well your current lifestyle or medication is working
- ✅ A trackable baseline to monitor changes over time
Perfect For You If You:
- Are you currently managing Type 2 diabetes and want to track your progress
- Have a family history of diabetes and want to catch early signs
- Are you experiencing fatigue, thirst, or frequent urination
- Want to stay proactive about your long-term health
- Are frustrated with NHS delays or past finger-prick kits that didn’t work
Why Choose This Test?
| Feature | DIY Kits | GP/NHS | Bloodtest.co.uk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | ❌ Inconsistent samples | ✅ | ✅ Lab-grade accuracy (venous draw) |
| Convenience | ✅ Post it yourself | ❌ Long wait times | ✅ Nurse visits your home |
| Speed | ⚠️ Postal delays | ❌ Variable | ✅ Results within 7 days |
| Comfort | ❌ Self-prick | ⚠️ Clinic setting | ✅ Handled by professionals |
| Trust | ❌ Limited support | ✅ | ✅ Doctor-reviewed, shareable PDF report |
What’s Included:
- ✅ HbA1c blood test — gold standard for diabetes detection
- ✅ Nurse home visit — no self-sampling required
- ✅ Lab testing — performed by UK-accredited professionals
- ✅ PDF results — emailed discreetly within 7 days
- ✅ GP-shareable format — easy to review with your doctor
Testing For Diabetes
If you’re worried about your blood sugar levels or diabetes risk, a diabetes blood test at home is particularly useful if you:
- Are over 40 (or over 25 if you’re of South Asian, African-Caribbean, or Black African descent) and have not had your HbA1c checked recently
- Are overweight or obese, especially if you carry weight around your waist
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease
- Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or a history of gestational diabetes
- Are already managing diabetes and want to monitor how well your treatment is working
- Have had a high HbA1c result in the past and need a follow-up check
- Have made lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight loss) and want to see if they’re helping
High blood sugar often builds up silently with no obvious symptoms, so a blood test is the only reliable way to know your levels and discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional.
How Often Should I Have A Diabetes Blood Test?
The frequency depends on your individual circumstances:
- At-risk individuals: If you have any of the risk factors above, checking your HbA1c at least once a year can help catch pre-diabetes early
- General screening: Many adults benefit from checking HbA1c as part of routine health monitoring, particularly from age 40 onwards
- After lifestyle changes: If you’ve made significant diet or exercise changes, testing every 3–6 months can show if your efforts are working
- People with diabetes: Those with diagnosed diabetes typically need more frequent monitoring (every 3–6 months), as recommended by their GP or diabetes team
Note: These are general guidelines. Your GP or diabetes specialist may recommend a different testing schedule based on your personal health profile and treatment plan.
Can I Use These Results With My GP?
Yes. Your results are formatted as a professional PDF report that you can easily share with your NHS or private GP, diabetes team, or other healthcare provider.
What Your Report Includes:
HbA1c result in both mmol/mol and % formats, as used in UK clinical practice
Clear reference ranges showing whether your result is normal, high risk (pre-diabetes), or in the diabetic range
Laboratory accreditation details confirming the test meets professional standards
Easy-to-understand format designed for both you and healthcare professionals
Important To Remember:
Only a qualified healthcare professional who knows your full medical history can diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes
Your GP may want to repeat the test or order additional tests before making a diagnosis
Never start, stop, or change diabetes medication without medical advice
If you have symptoms of very high blood sugar (extreme thirst, frequent urination, confusion, drowsiness), seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for test results
This test gives you the information you need to have an informed conversation with your doctor about your blood sugar control and next steps.
Understanding Your HbA1c Results:
Your results will show your HbA1c level alongside UK reference ranges. While we provide clear explanations in your report, your GP or diabetes specialist is best placed to interpret your results in the context of your overall health, medications, and any symptoms you may be experiencing.
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Other Questions
- Family history of Type 2 diabetes
- Overweight
- Obese
- Tiredness
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive need to urinate
- Genital itching
- Weight loss
A blood test will check on:
- Diabetes
For best results (if medically suitable) it is advisable to fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test.
Collection method: Venous blood
Results available: 1-2 days after the sample has reached the laboratory
HbA1c
HbA1c also known as glycated haemoglobin or glycosylated haemoglobin. This test will measure how well your blood sugar level has been controlled over the past 3 months. The results can be indicative of pre or Type 2 diabetes.
Evidence Behind Our Diabetes Testing
Our at-home diabetes blood test service is aligned with UK diabetes guidelines and modern laboratory standards, ensuring your results are suitable for long-term blood sugar management.
- HbA1c as the diagnostic standard: National guidance recommends HbA1c as the primary test for diagnosing and monitoring type 2 diabetes in adults, with a threshold of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above used for diagnosis, and levels of 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%) indicating high risk of developing diabetes.
(Source: NICE diabetes diagnosis recommendations, Diabetes UK HbA1c testing guidance) - Advantages of HbA1c testing: Unlike finger-prick glucose tests that capture blood sugar at a single moment, HbA1c reflects average blood glucose control over the past 2–3 months and does not require fasting, making it more convenient and reliable for most people.
(Source: NHS blood sugar and HbA1c information, NICE HbA1c guidance) - When HbA1c may not be suitable: HbA1c testing has some limitations and should not be used alone if you have suspected type 1 diabetes, are pregnant, have certain blood disorders, or have symptoms suggesting very high blood sugar requiring urgent medical attention.
(Source: NICE diabetes diagnostic guidance, Diabetes UK HbA1c limitations) - Venous sampling as the laboratory standard: Venous blood collection is the reference method used by hospital and accredited private laboratories for HbA1c testing, providing sufficient volume and consistent sample quality for accurate analysis.
(Source: Diabetes UK professional HbA1c guidance) - Laboratory quality and accreditation: ISO 15189 is the international standard for medical laboratories and covers everything from sample handling to result reporting, so using UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited labs helps ensure your HbA1c results are reliable and reproducible.
(Source: UKAS medical laboratory accreditation, RCPath ISO 15189 overview)
These guidelines and standards shape how we design our diabetes tests, choose venous blood collection, and partner with UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited laboratories, so your results are produced to the same quality benchmarks used for decision‑making in NHS hospital care.
Preparing For Your Diabetes Blood Test
HbA1c testing does not require fasting, so you can prepare for your diabetes blood test at home with minimal disruption to your normal routine.
- No fasting needed – you can eat and drink normally before your test. HbA1c measures average blood sugar over 2–3 months, so what you eat on the day does not affect your result.
- Take your usual medicines – unless your doctor or nurse tells you to do something different, continue taking your regular medications including any diabetes treatments.
- Stay hydrated – drinking water before your appointment can make the blood draw easier and more comfortable.
- Avoid heavy alcohol intake – try not to drink heavily in the 24 hours before your test, as alcohol can temporarily affect blood test results.
- Bring any previous results – if you have had HbA1c or diabetes tests before, it can help to compare changes over time and show your GP how your levels are trending.
- Wear comfortable clothing – choose something with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood sample to be taken from your arm.
If you are unsure about medication, have any health conditions that might affect testing, or have any questions, your nurse can answer these during your appointment.
How it Works
Read about Fingerprick VS Venous blood sample 
1. Order a Test
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
Our nurse will contact you for dates, so they can take your blood sample at your home.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
2. Our laboratory team run the tests
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
3. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
4. Monitor your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
Diabetes Blood Test FAQs
Do I Need To Fast Before A Diabetes Blood Test?
No. HbA1c testing does not require fasting, so you can eat and drink normally before your appointment. This is one of the advantages of HbA1c over traditional fasting glucose tests, making it more convenient for most people.
What HbA1c Level Is Considered High?
In the UK, an HbA1c below 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) is considered normal. Levels between 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%) indicate high risk of diabetes, often called pre-diabetes. An HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above is the diagnostic threshold for type 2 diabetes. Only your GP or diabetes specialist can diagnose diabetes based on your results and clinical history.
Can This Test Diagnose Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes?
HbA1c is recommended for diagnosing and monitoring type 2 diabetes in adults. However, it should not be used alone for suspected type 1 diabetes, which typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms and requires urgent GP assessment and additional tests including blood glucose and ketone testing.
Can I Take This Test If I Already Have Diabetes?
Yes. If you're already managing diabetes, regular HbA1c testing helps you and your healthcare team monitor how well your treatment is working. Most people with diabetes check their HbA1c every 3–6 months, though your GP or diabetes team will advise on the right frequency for you.
How Long Will My Appointment Take?
The nurse visit typically takes 10–15 minutes. The blood sample itself only takes a few minutes to collect, with a little extra time for paperwork and answering any questions you may have.
When Will I Get My Results?
Results are typically available within 7 days of your blood sample being taken, making our diabetes blood test at home service both convenient and quick. You'll receive your results by email as a PDF report that you can save, print, or share with your GP.
What Should I Do If My HbA1c Is High?
If your HbA1c is in the pre-diabetes or diabetes range, book an appointment with your GP to discuss your results. Your GP may want to repeat the test or order additional tests, and they can advise on lifestyle changes, monitoring, or treatment options. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without medical advice. Early detection gives you the best opportunity to make changes and prevent or delay complications.
Can I Use These Results With My NHS GP?
Yes. Your results are provided as a professional laboratory report in a format suitable for sharing with NHS or private GPs, diabetes teams, or other healthcare providers. The report includes all necessary technical information and reference ranges used in UK clinical practice.
Is Venous Blood Testing More Accurate Than Finger-Prick Tests?
Yes. Venous blood samples taken from your arm by a nurse are the gold standard for laboratory testing. They provide more blood volume for analysis, reduce the risk of sample contamination, and deliver more consistent and reliable results compared to finger-prick capillary samples.
What If I Have Symptoms Of High Blood Sugar?
If you have symptoms suggesting very high blood sugar – such as extreme thirst, very frequent urination, confusion, drowsiness, fruity-smelling breath, or unexplained rapid weight loss – seek urgent medical attention from your GP or NHS 111 rather than waiting for test results. These symptoms may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis or very poorly controlled diabetes requiring immediate treatment.
