HbA1c (also called glycated haemoglobin) is currently the most widely accepted blood test to determine if someone is diabetic, prediabetic, or within a ‘healthy’ range. It measures how much of your red blood cell haemoglobin has been irreversibly bound to glucose. Since red blood cells live for around two to three months, this test shows your average blood glucose level over approximately the past 8–12 weeks—making it a key indicator of your longer-term blood sugar control.
Why is it Important?
Large-scale studies have shown that higher HbA1c levels can significantly increase the risk of serious cardiovascular and other health complications. Knowing your HbA1c can help you and your healthcare provider spot early warning signs of prediabetes or diabetes, so that you can take action to reduce your risk of future health issues.
How Does the Test Work?
At-Home Test: Order our easy-to-use test kit online and take a blood sample from the comfort of your home. We use high-quality medical-grade TAP test to ensure accurate results.
Click & Collect: Prefer to visit a location? Pick up a test kit from one of our partner clinics
Beyond HbA1c—Why Glucose Monitoring Matters
Recent research shows that even people with a ‘normal’ HbA1c can experience significant spikes in their blood sugar levels (above 7.8 mmol/L or even 10 mmol/L). These spikes may be brief and not high enough to raise HbA1c to a prediabetic or diabetic range, but they may still pose health risks. That’s why many healthcare professionals and individuals are turning to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems and our CarbR® test to get real-time insights into blood sugar fluctuations. Early detection and intervention—through dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, or further monitoring—can help prevent the onset of diabetes or other related conditions.
Take Control of Your Health
Prevention is better than cure. Whether you opt for our simple at-home capillary blood test, click and collect service, or a standard blood test at a participating practice, knowing your HbA1c is an essential step to staying on top of your health. Order today to get clear insights and potentially spot early signs of prediabetes or diabetes.