Description
Understanding Diabetes and Why Testing Matters
Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). For some, it’s a lifelong condition they are born with. For others, it develops later in life—often as a result of lifestyle factors. Regardless of the type, diabetes is a condition that requires proper diagnosis and management to avoid serious health consequences.
Why Early Detection Is Important
Diabetes can be managed effectively with the right care. However, when left undiagnosed or untreated, it can significantly reduce your quality of life and lead to serious complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve problems, and vision loss. Detecting diabetes early provides the best chance for maintaining good health and avoiding these complications.
Our Diabetes Blood Test: What It Shows
Our diabetes blood test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months using a marker called HbA1c. This gives a clear picture of how your body has been handling sugar over time. It can tell you whether:
- Your blood sugar is within a healthy range
- You are in a pre-diabetic stage (at risk)
- You may already have Type 2 diabetes
How Diabetes Develops
When you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose, which enters your bloodstream and serves as your main source of energy. The pancreas then releases a hormone called insulin to help move that glucose into your cells.
In people with diabetes, this process doesn’t work properly. Either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin (or any at all), or it can’t use insulin effectively. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of fueling your cells, leading to a variety of health problems over time.
The Two Main Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce insulin and requires daily insulin injections. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood and is not related to weight or lifestyle.
Type 2 Diabetes is much more common and is usually linked to lifestyle factors such as being overweight, inactive, or having a poor diet. In Type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells become resistant to it. This leads to high levels of glucose remaining in the bloodstream. It typically develops in adults but is increasingly seen in younger people as well.
Managing and Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
While Type 1 diabetes must be managed with insulin, Type 2 diabetes can often be improved—and sometimes even reversed—through lifestyle changes. This includes:
- Eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins
- Reducing sugar and processed food intake
- Staying physically active with regular exercise
- Losing excess weight
- In some cases, using medication to help control blood sugar levels
Why Take This Test?
If you have risk factors such as being overweight, having a large waist size, being inactive, or having a family history of diabetes, it’s important to get tested. Many people live with undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes for years—often without symptoms. A simple blood test can offer clarity, guide lifestyle choices, and potentially prevent serious health issues later on.
How often should I have a diabetes blood test?
We recommend testing your blood for diabetes for a routine check yearly.
Our Nurses visit your Home or Work to take your blood.
Pick a time and date to suit you.
Your results are available online within days of your blood being taken.
Other Questions
- Family history of Type 2 diabetes
- Overweight
- Obese
- Tiredness
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive need to urinate
- Genital itching
- Weight loss
This blood test is to 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.
How it Works
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.
