£70.00
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5 out of 5 (high user satisfaction)
Results: ~3 working days
Doctor’s report included
Convenient home or clinic sampling
Free delivery & returns
This check includes fasting glucose (current blood sugar level) and HbA1c (average blood sugar over 2-3 months). It helps diagnose and monitor diabetes or prediabetes.
Sample collection: A small blood sample is taken (usually serum tube) by a finger-prick kit at home or in one of our UK clinics. Our kit includes everything needed; simply return the sample in the pre-paid envelope. Results include a personalised doctor’s interpretation.
Age restriction: Adults 18+ only (guardian consent required for minors).
Diabetes Health Checks are essential screenings for blood sugar levels. They measure glucose and HbA1c to identify diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance. Your doctor may order this for routine monitoring or symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, or slow-healing wounds. Swift Blood Tests processes samples rapidly, with results and a doctor’s report typically within a few days.
Blood sugar level after fasting; high levels indicate diabetes.
Percentage of haemoglobin bound to glucose; reflects long-term control.
A venous blood sample is required (collected in a grey-top fluoride tube for glucose). Fasting for 8-12 hours is necessary for accurate glucose results. Send samples via the next-day laboratory service.
Elevated glucose or HbA1c confirms type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
Tracks effects of diet, exercise, or medications like metformin.
For those with obesity, family history, or gestational diabetes history.
Early detection reduces risks of neuropathy, retinopathy, or heart issues. The checks provide insights into glucose metabolism and guide personalized care plans.
Excessive hunger, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes.
Relatives with diabetes increase your risk.
High-sugar diet, lack of exercise, or overweight.
High blood pressure or polycystic ovary syndrome. For example, a patient with frequent infections may have high glucose. Your doctor will interpret results and may recommend further tests like oral glucose tolerance.
If you can’t find the test you’re looking for, simply give us a call and our support team will guide you to the right option. We’re here to ensure you get the correct test quickly and confidently.
A private diabetes blood test that checks two key blood sugar markers from one venous blood sample: HbA1c, which reflects your average blood sugar over roughly the last 2 to 3 months, and fasting glucose, which shows your blood sugar level after a fast. Together they give a clearer picture than either marker alone.
A diabetes blood test checks how your body is handling sugar (glucose). Our Diabetes Health Checks Blood Test is a diabetes screening blood test that measures two markers doctors commonly use when looking at blood sugar: HbA1c and fasting glucose. It is a simple way to check your blood sugar privately and get results you can discuss with your GP.
HbA1c shows how much glucose has attached to haemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells. Because red blood cells live for around 2 to 3 months, HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over that period, rather than on one day.
Fasting glucose is the amount of sugar in your blood after you have not eaten for 8 to 12 hours. It is a snapshot of your blood sugar at the time your sample is taken.
Many people with raised blood sugar have no symptoms at all. Others notice changes like these:
These symptoms can have other causes, and having them does not mean you have diabetes. If you have symptoms like these, speak to your GP.
If you are very thirsty, peeing a lot, losing weight quickly and feel unwell, being sick or drowsy, contact your GP urgently or call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
| Feature | HbA1c | Fasting glucose |
|---|---|---|
| What it shows | Average blood sugar over roughly the last 2–3 months | Blood sugar at the time of your test |
| Fasting needed? | Not on its own | Yes, 8–12 hours, water only |
| Affected by | Some blood conditions, pregnancy, recent blood loss | What you have eaten, illness, stress and some medicines |
| Included in this test | Yes | Yes |
HbA1c shows the longer-term trend, while fasting glucose shows your level right now. Looking at both together gives you and your GP more to go on than a single marker.
Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than usual but not high enough to be diabetes. It often has no symptoms. HbA1c and fasting glucose are markers doctors use when checking for it, and your GP can explain what your results mean for you.
Diabetes is diagnosed by a doctor, who looks at your blood results together with your symptoms and history, and may repeat tests.
When HbA1c may be less reliable: HbA1c results can be affected by anaemia (including iron deficiency), some inherited haemoglobin variants, pregnancy, and recent blood loss or a blood transfusion. If any of these apply to you, tell your GP when you discuss your results.
Do not eat for 8 to 12 hours before your sample is taken. You can drink water. This is needed for the fasting glucose part of the test.
If you take insulin or other diabetes medicines, speak to your prescriber before fasting, as fasting can make blood sugar drop too low.
Do not stop or change prescribed medication to have this test unless your prescriber tells you to. Let our team know what you take.
Call our team on 01277 652067 before your appointment if anything is unclear.
If your results are outside the expected range, book an appointment with your GP. They may repeat the test and will look at your results alongside your symptoms and history. Do not start, stop or change any medication based on a private result alone.
Choose the test that fits what you want to check.
Not sure which test is right for you? Browse all our blood tests or call 01277 652067.
A private diabetes blood test with HbA1c and fasting glucose, booked online in a few clicks.
Select your preferred Visit Type in the booking options at the top of this page, click Add To Basket and check your basket total before checkout.
Looking for a diabetes test near me? Enter your postcode or use our clinic finder to see the Swift Blood Tests clinic locations closest to you, then book your private diabetes blood test with the Visit Type that suits you.
If you’re in Essex, you can also choose a Home Visit when booking.
Our diabetes blood test measures two markers from one venous blood sample: HbA1c, which reflects your average blood sugar over roughly the last 2 to 3 months, and fasting glucose, which shows your blood sugar after a fast.
HbA1c is the amount of glucose attached to haemoglobin in your red blood cells. Because red blood cells live for around 2 to 3 months, HbA1c gives a picture of your average blood sugar over that time.
HbA1c shows your average blood sugar over roughly 2 to 3 months. A blood glucose test shows your blood sugar at the moment your sample is taken. This test includes both, so you see the longer-term trend and your level after fasting.
Yes. Please fast for 8 to 12 hours before your test, drinking water only. Fasting is needed for the fasting glucose part of the test; HbA1c on its own does not need fasting. If you take insulin or other diabetes medicines, speak to your prescriber before fasting.
Not on its own. Diabetes is diagnosed by a doctor, who looks at blood results together with your symptoms and history and may repeat tests. This test gives you HbA1c and fasting glucose results to discuss with your GP.
Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than usual but not high enough to be diabetes, and it often has no symptoms. HbA1c and fasting glucose are markers doctors use when checking for it. Your GP can explain what your results mean for you.
If you only want your average blood sugar and would rather not fast, the HbA1c Blood Test may suit you. If you only want a blood sugar reading, choose the Fasting Glucose or Glucose Blood Test. This test combines HbA1c and fasting glucose for a fuller picture.
HbA1c can be affected by anaemia (including iron deficiency), some inherited haemoglobin variants, pregnancy, and recent blood loss or a blood transfusion. If any of these apply to you, mention it to your GP when you discuss your results.
Some medicines can affect blood sugar. Do not stop or change any prescribed medication to have this test. Let our team know what you take, and speak to your prescriber if you are unsure.
Results are usually ready within 2 to 3 working days and include a doctor’s report.
The test is £70. Choose a Clinic Visit, Home Visit (Essex only) or Kit Only (Venous Blood Collection) in the booking options on this page, then check your basket total before checkout. To find a clinic near you, use the postcode finder on this page or visit our Find Your Nearest Clinic page. This test is for adults 18 and over.
Book an appointment with your GP and share your results. They may repeat the test and will look at your results alongside your symptoms and history. Do not start, stop or change any medication based on a private result alone.
Choose your Visit Type in the booking options above and click Add To Basket, or find the clinic that’s most convenient for you.
Read All Our Google ReviewsGreat service. I’m not the best with needles, however, Jo made me feel comfortable and at ease which made the whole process much more tolerable. 5 stars from me.
Chris C. Google review · ★★★★★
