🩺 Affordable Private Healthcare

Diabetes Testing

Price
£85

Turnaround

4 -12 hours

Appointment

15 minutes

female doctor talking to female patient about diabetes

Find Out More

4.9
4.9/5
4.7
4.7/5
Care Quality Commission
Primary Care & Diagnostics Finalist Award

pound iconPrice: £85

Turnaround: 4 -12 hours

Appointment: 15 minutes

Diabetes Statistics

By the end of 2010, 2.8 million people were diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, and by 2021 more than 4.4 million people in the UK live with diabetes.

Plus, 1.2 million people could be living with type 2 diabetes who are yet to be diagnosed.

Therefore, it is safe to say, diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the UK, and when left untreated it can cause serious long-term complications.

Understanding Diabetes

*Please note that HbA1C results continue to be delayed nationwide and turnaround time is currently 3 days. This is part of our platinum profile and diabetes screen. Update: 11.11.2024*

The two most common types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 is an autoimmune, genetic disorder where your immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas. This type of diabetes typically develops in children, teenagers, and young adults, but it can occur at any age.

Type 2 (also known as adult-onset diabetes) occurs when your body stops using insulin properly, and over time, it leads to elevated blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes is a preventable disease.

Both types of diabetes affect how your body uses sugar (glucose) for energy, and symptoms include thirst, urination, and weight loss.

Diabetes Testing

An HbA1c test is the main blood test used to diagnose diabetes. HbA1c stands for glycated hemoglobin (or hemoglobin A1c). Hemoglobin is the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen through your body. HbA1c measures the amount of sugar attached to your hemoglobin( blood sugar levels) for the last two to three months.

Your typical HbA1c blood test results should show an HbA1c value below 5.7 %. Anyone with an HbA1c value between 5.7 % to 6.4 % is considered to be prediabetic, and diabetic with a HbA1c value of 6.5% or higher.

 

Woman doctor smiling
Woman doctor taking notes

Signs You May Be A Diabetic

Symptoms include urinating often, feeling very thirsty all the time, being very hungry (even when you are eating), extreme fatigue, blurry vision, cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, frequent infections, and areas of darkened skin (usually on your arms and neck).

Additional symptoms include unintended weight loss (type 1) and tingling, pain, or numbness in your hands and feet (type 2).

If you suspect you are a diabetic, we implore you to get a diabetes blood test done.

Risk Factors For Developing Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas. However, factors that could increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes include:

  • Being overweight or obese.
  • Not getting enough physical activity.
  • Your race, as certain races are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
  • Being over the age of 35.
  • Prediabetes, as it often progresses to type 2 diabetes.
  • Gestational diabetes, as the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is higher after pregnancy is higher.
  • Having polycystic ovary syndrome, as this condition also increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Statistics​

Adults in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes
0 Mill
People in the UK are likely to have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes
0 Mill
Completed Blood Test This Year
0
Blood Tests For Each Person Are Performed Annually
0

How To Schedule Your Blood Test

book online or call us

Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.

Choose your test type

On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.

meet with our experts

You will be seen by one of our friendly phlebotomists or trained clinicians.

Procedure

Type of sample taken: Blood
preparing for appointment

Preparing for test

Your doctor will thoroughly explain all the steps you need to take before your diabetes blood test. Fasting for 8 to 12 hours before the test is typical. Remember to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, as certain medications can affect your blood glucose levels.

during the appointment

During the test

Diabetes screening involves a straightforward blood test where a needle is typically inserted into a vein, usually located near the inner arm. A small amount of blood is then drawn for analysis. During this process, you may experience a slight stinging sensation at the site of the needle insertion, but it will quickly subside.

post appointment

Results

The test price covers the cost of collecting your blood sample and delivering the results to you via email. If you wish to have one of our doctors interpret your results, a consultation fee will apply. We highly recommend scheduling a consultation before undergoing any testing, as this will enable you to discuss the most suitable options for your needs.

Why Choose Walk In Clinic
for blood testing

No
Hidden Charges

Transparent fees. The price you see is the price you pay.

No GP consultation
needed

No GP appointment requirement for blood tests

Established
since 1998

Experienced doctors & a professional team.

Strictly
confidential

Your medical records are kept private at all times.

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Diabetes Testing

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Book Your Blood Test Today

We offer a wide range of private blood tests in London. Same-day appointments are available 5 days a week.

Specialist Medical Team

We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.

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How often should I get tested for diabetes if I have risk factors but no symptoms?
If you have risk factors such as being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or a sedentary lifestyle, doctors usually recommend testing every 3 years starting at age 45 or even earlier if risks are high. People with prediabetes or certain conditions like gestational diabetes may require more frequent monitoring. Just remember, early detection through regular testing can help prevent or delay progression to full diabetes by enabling lifestyle changes or treatment.
What factors can cause inaccurate diabetes blood test results?
Several factors can influence diabetes test accuracy, like stress, illness, certain medications (like corticosteroids or diuretics), and recent eating or drinking can raise blood glucose temporarily. Haemoglobin variants, anaemia, or kidney disease can also affect HbA1c reliability. Be sure to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor before your test.
What are the health benefits of lowering HbA1c?
For those with type 1 diabetes, lowering HbA1c can reduce the risk of microvascular complications such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. For people with type 2 diabetes, even a slight reduction in HbA1C reduces the risk of cataracts, heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease.
Can pregnancy affect diabetes blood test results?
Yes, pregnancy can affect blood sugar levels and diabetes testing. Pregnant women are often screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

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