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Blood Tests > HbA1c Blood Test

HbA1c Blood Test

Price
£75

Turnaround

12 hours

Appointment

15 minutes

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5

4.7

Rated 4.7 out of 5

at a glance

Price: £75

Turnaround: 12 hours

Appointment: 15 minutes

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5

4.7

Rated 4.7 out of 5

Key Diabetes Diagnostic Test

The HbA1c blood test (also known as the A1C test) plays a vital role in diabetes management. It provides a comprehensive assessment and valuable insights into your average blood sugar levels over a specific period, and is a vital tool in monitoring and managing diabetes.

Our clinics in London provides the HbA1C test as a standalone test or as part of our comprehensive Platinum Blood Profile.

The Significance Of Testing

An HbA1c blood test measures the percentage of glycated haemoglobin in the blood. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. When blood sugar levels are high, glucose molecules attach to the haemoglobin, forming glycated haemoglobin.

Unlike regular blood sugar tests, which only provide a snapshot of glucose levels at a specific moment, the HbA1c test offers a more comprehensive picture. It determines the proportion of glycated haemoglobin, which is directly related to average blood sugar levels over a timeframe of two to three months. This long-term view allows your doctor to identify trends and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans.

Why Getting Tested Often Makes A Difference

When left untreated, diabetes can seriously impact your health. That’s why monitoring your blood glucose levels is so important.

For individuals with diabetes or a family history of the condition, regular HbA1c tests are essential for effective management and, in some cases, prevention. The results of these tests help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions, adjusting medication dosages, tailoring treatment plans, and making lifestyle changes.

Regular monitoring of your HbA1c levels helps maintain stable blood sugar, reducing the risk of complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye problems. It also helps you feel better day to day, with more energy and fewer diabetes-related symptoms.

If you want to check your diabetes status or need regular monitoring for your condition, call or book online with us today.

When Testing Is Most Important

We recommend the HbA1c test if you:

Have already been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and need regular monitoring
Are experiencing symptoms like fatigue, increased thirst, blurred vision, or frequent urination
Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes history, or metabolic syndrome
Have risk factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, or a family history of diabetes

Diabetes-Associated Conditions

Properly managing diabetes through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups reduces your risk of associated conditions. However, if left untreated (or poorly managed) complications may arise, including:

Cardiovascular Disease: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): High blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout the body, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain, or loss of sensation, typically starting in the feet and hands.
Kidney Disease (Nephropathy): Diabetes can damage the kidneys over time, leading to kidney failure or the need for dialysis.
Eye Damage (Retinopathy): Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision problems and even blindness if untreated.
Foot Damage: Nerve damage and poor circulation associated with diabetes can lead to foot problems, including infections, ulcers, and in severe cases, amputation.

Skin Conditions: Diabetes increases the risk of skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections, itching, and diabetic dermopathy.
Gum Disease: Diabetes increases the risk of gum infections (periodontitis), which can lead to tooth loss if not treated.
Mental Health Disorders: People with diabetes are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, which can affect diabetes management and overall well-being.
Digestive Disorders: Diabetes can affect the nerves and blood vessels that control digestion, leading to problems such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) and constipation.
Sleep Apnea: Diabetes increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Statistics

people live with diabetes in the UK

0 Mill

UK residents may have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes

0 Mill

Completed Blood Test This Year

Blood Tests For Each Person Are Performed Annually

Easy Guide To Booking 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

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.

testimonials

Blood Test Biomarkers

HbA1C

pricing

HbA1C Blood Test

£75

1 Biomarker

see other blood tests

Comprehensive Blood Profile

£59

Platinum Blood Profile

£179

Cholesterol Tests

£39

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.

Dr Amin Ali

Medical Associate

Dr Heather Craig

General practitioner (GP)

Dr Juhina Chameseddin

Medical Associate

Dr Kate Soffer

General practitioner (GP)

Dr Mohammad Mohseyni

Senior General practitioner

Dr Oluwaseyi Kayode

Medical Associate

Our Clinics

City Of London

Harley Street

Victoria Clinic

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How often should I get an HbA1c test?

For those without diabetes, testing is usually recommended only if at risk or during health screenings. For prediabetics, we recommend getting tested about once or twice a year, depending on risk factors. For people with diabetes, every 3 to 6 months, depending on how well blood sugar is controlled.

Is an HbA1c blood test suitable for you?

While it won’t indicate your current blood sugar levels, it can reveal if your levels have been consistently high over the past 3 months. However, certain conditions can affect HbA1c levels, making it unsuitable for diagnosing diabetes in some cases. This includes pregnancy, recent childbirth, recent onset of diabetes symptoms, certain medications, acute illness, pancreatic issues, end-stage kidney disease, and HIV positivity.

Is it possible to have a normal HbA1c but still have diabetes symptoms?

Yes, it is possible, especially in the early stages of diabetes or in people with fluctuating blood sugar levels. An individual may have normal HbA1c levels but experience symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue. This can happen in conditions like reactive hypoglycaemia or if blood glucose spikes and drops dramatically.

What does it mean if my HbA1c is lower than expected?

An unusually low HbA1c might seem like good news at first glance, but it could also indicate underlying issues such as frequent hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), anaemia, certain blood disorders, or a shortened red blood cell lifespan, such as that caused by haemolysis. It is important to interpret a low HbA1c result in context, particularly for individuals taking insulin or other glucose-lowering medications.

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