Diabetes
Blood Test
Private diabetes blood test at home. HbA1c testing by qualified nurses. Check for type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes with NHS-standard lab analysis.
fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test
Book online
Choose date & time that suits you
Nurse visits you
At home or your preferred location
Lab analysis
UK accredited laboratory
Results delivered
Secure digital report in 1–2 days
Why take this test?
Concerned about your blood sugar — or just want to stay one step ahead?
Blood sugar issues can develop gradually, often without obvious symptoms. By the time you notice changes, your body may already be under strain.
This test gives you a clear understanding of how your body is managing sugar, helping you identify early signs of imbalance and take control before it progresses.
- Detect early signs of diabetes or pre-diabetes
- Understand how your body processes sugar
- Take proactive steps to protect your long-term health
Professional blood draw included — accurate, reliable results you can trust.
This test is recommended if you:
What does it test?
Blood sugar control (HbA1c, glucose)
Insulin production (insulin, C-peptide)
Insulin resistance
How to Prepare
HbA1c testing does not require fasting, so you can prepare for your diabetes blood test at home with minimal disruption to your normal routine.
No fasting needed – you can eat and drink normally before your test. HbA1c measures average blood sugar over 2–3 months, so what you eat on the day does not affect your result. Take your usual medicines – unless your doctor or nurse tells you to do something different, continue taking your regular medications including any diabetes treatments. Stay hydrated – drinking water before your appointment can make the blood draw easier and more comfortable. Avoid heavy alcohol intake – try not to drink heavily in the 24 hours before your test, as alcohol can temporarily affect blood test results. Bring any previous results – if you have had HbA1c or diabetes tests before, it can help to compare changes over time and show your GP how your levels are trending. Wear comfortable clothing – choose something with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood sample to be taken from your arm.
If you are unsure about medication, have any health conditions that might affect testing, or have any questions, your nurse can answer these during your appointment.
How it Works
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
You’re then given instructions on calling the team to book a date and time for a nurse, so they can take your blood sample at your home, workplace or clinic.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
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.
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.
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.
Clinical Evidence
HbA1c as the diagnostic standard: National guidance recommends HbA1c as the primary test for diagnosing and monitoring type 2 diabetes in adults, with a threshold of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above used for diagnosis, and levels of 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%) indicating high risk of developing diabetes.
Source: NICE diabetes diagnosis recommendations, Diabetes UK HbA1c testing guidance
Advantages of HbA1c testing: Unlike finger-prick glucose tests that capture blood sugar at a single moment, HbA1c reflects average blood glucose control over the past 2–3 months and does not require fasting, making it more convenient and reliable for most people.
Source: NHS blood sugar and HbA1c information, NICE HbA1c guidance
When HbA1c may not be suitable: HbA1c testing has some limitations and should not be used alone if you have suspected type 1 diabetes, are pregnant, have certain blood disorders, or have symptoms suggesting very high blood sugar requiring urgent medical attention.
Source: NICE diabetes diagnostic guidance, Diabetes UK HbA1c limitations
Venous sampling as the laboratory standard: Venous blood collection is the reference method used by hospital and accredited private laboratories for HbA1c testing, providing sufficient volume and consistent sample quality for accurate analysis.
Source: Diabetes UK professional HbA1c guidance
Laboratory quality and accreditation: ISO 15189 is the international standard for medical laboratories and covers everything from sample handling to result reporting, so using UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited labs helps ensure your HbA1c results are reliable and reproducible.
Source: UKAS medical laboratory accreditation, RCPath ISO 15189 overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need To Fast Before A Diabetes Blood Test?
No. HbA1c testing does not require fasting, so you can eat and drink normally before your appointment. This is one of the advantages of HbA1c over traditional fasting glucose tests, making it more convenient for most people.
What HbA1c Level Is Considered High?
In the UK, an HbA1c below 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) is considered normal. Levels between 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%) indicate high risk of diabetes, often called pre-diabetes. An HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above is the diagnostic threshold for type 2 diabetes. Only your GP or diabetes specialist can diagnose diabetes based on your results and clinical history.
Can This Test Diagnose Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes?
HbA1c is recommended for diagnosing and monitoring type 2 diabetes in adults. However, it should not be used alone for suspected type 1 diabetes, which typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms and requires urgent GP assessment and additional tests including blood glucose and ketone testing.
Can I Take This Test If I Already Have Diabetes?
Yes. If you're already managing diabetes, regular HbA1c testing helps you and your healthcare team monitor how well your treatment is working. Most people with diabetes check their HbA1c every 3–6 months, though your GP or diabetes team will advise on the right frequency for you.
How Long Will My Appointment Take?
The nurse visit typically takes 10–15 minutes. The blood sample itself only takes a few minutes to collect, with a little extra time for paperwork and answering any questions you may have.
When Will I Get My Results?
Results are typically available within 7 days of your blood sample being taken, making our diabetes blood test at home service both convenient and quick. You'll receive your results by email as a PDF report that you can save, print, or share with your GP.
What Should I Do If My HbA1c Is High?
If your HbA1c is in the pre-diabetes or diabetes range, book an appointment with your GP to discuss your results. Your GP may want to repeat the test or order additional tests, and they can advise on lifestyle changes, monitoring, or treatment options. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without medical advice. Early detection gives you the best opportunity to make changes and prevent or delay complications.
Can I Use These Results With My NHS GP?
Yes. Your results are provided as a professional laboratory report in a format suitable for sharing with NHS or private GPs, diabetes teams, or other healthcare providers. The report includes all necessary technical information and reference ranges used in UK clinical practice.
Is Venous Blood Testing More Accurate Than Finger-Prick Tests?
Yes. Venous blood samples taken from your arm by a nurse are the gold standard for laboratory testing. They provide more blood volume for analysis, reduce the risk of sample contamination, and deliver more consistent and reliable results compared to finger-prick capillary samples.
What If I Have Symptoms Of High Blood Sugar?
If you have symptoms suggesting very high blood sugar – such as extreme thirst, very frequent urination, confusion, drowsiness, fruity-smelling breath, or unexplained rapid weight loss – seek urgent medical attention from your GP or NHS 111 rather than waiting for test results. These symptoms may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis or very poorly controlled diabetes requiring immediate treatment.
UK Blood Tests
Health Tests Overview Online Blood Tests Blood Test At Home Extra Guides
Legal
Privacy Policy & GDPR Refunds & Cancellations Company Information Cookie Policy Delivery Policy
Disclaimer:
None of our tests or services are intended to be a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, help, diagnosis, or treatment. Please See Our Medical Disclaimer © 2026 Blood Test UK. Your Health in Your Hands facebook email Health Tests General Cholesterol Blood Test Diabetes Blood Test Kidney Blood Test General Health Blood Test Liver Blood Test Standard Liver Blood Test Advanced Lyme Disease Blood Test Standard Thyroid Blood Test Comprehensive Thyroid Blood Test Well Person Blood Test Sports Performance & Muscle Recovery Test Tired All The Time Blood Test Hormones Cortisol Blood Test Male Hormone Blood Test Male Weight Control Blood Test Standard Testosterone Blood Test Comprehensive Testosterone Blood Test Female Hormone Blood Test Female Weight Control Blood Test Female Fertility Blood Test Pregnancy Blood Test Menopause Blood Test Blood Blood Grouping Blood Test Full Blood Count Food Coeliac Test Dairy Intolerance Test Nut Intolerance Test Shellfish Intolerance Test Food Intolerance Test Comprehensive Food Intolerance Test Nutritional Anaemia Blood Test Mineral Blood Test Vitamin D Blood Test Vitamin B12 Blood Test Vitamin Blood Test General Cholesterol Blood Test Diabetes Blood Test Kidney Blood Test General Health Blood Test Liver Blood Test Standard Liver Blood Test Advanced Lyme Disease Blood Test Standard Thyroid Blood Test Comprehensive Thyroid Blood Test Well Person Blood Test Sports Performance & Muscle Recovery Test Tired All The Time Blood Test Cholesterol Blood Test Diabetes Blood Test Kidney Blood Test General Health Blood Test Liver Blood Test Standard Liver Blood Test Advanced Lyme Disease Blood Test Standard Thyroid Blood Test Comprehensive Thyroid Blood Test Well Person Blood Test Sports Performance & Muscle Recovery Test Tired All The Time Blood Test Hormones Cortisol Blood Test Male Hormone Blood Test Male Weight Control Blood Test Standard Testosterone Blood Test Comprehensive Testosterone Blood Test Female Hormone Blood Test Female Weight Control Blood Test Female Fertility Blood Test Pregnancy Blood Test Menopause Blood Test Cortisol Blood Test Male Hormone Blood Test Male Weight Control Blood Test Standard Testosterone Blood Test Comprehensive Testosterone Blood Test Female Hormone Blood Test Female Weight Control Blood Test Female Fertility Blood Test Pregnancy Blood Test Menopause Blood Test Blood Blood Grouping Blood Test Full Blood Count Blood Grouping Blood Test Full Blood Count Food Coeliac Test Dairy Intolerance Test Nut Intolerance Test Shellfish Intolerance Test Food Intolerance Test Comprehensive Food Intolerance Test Coeliac Test Dairy Intolerance Test Nut Intolerance Test Shellfish Intolerance Test Food Intolerance Test Comprehensive Food Intolerance Test Nutritional Anaemia Blood Test Mineral Blood Test Vitamin D Blood Test Vitamin B12 Blood Test Vitamin Blood Test Anaemia Blood Test Mineral Blood Test Vitamin D Blood Test Vitamin B12 Blood Test Vitamin Blood Test Symptoms Blood Sugar Chronic Fatigue Low Energy Low Mood, Brain Fog Tired all the Time Sluggish, Thirsty, Foggy Shakey, Irratable, Tired, Light headed Muscle Recovery Sports Performance Hair Thinning Hormone Imbalance Male Female Low Libido Male Female Poor Sleep Digestive Bloating Food Intolerance Coeliac Test Dairy Intolerance Test Food Intolerance Test Nut Intolerance Test Shellfish Intolerance Test Slow Metabolism Male Female Weight Gain Male Female Male Vitality Female Fertility Menopause High Cholesterol Heart Health Immune Health Iron Deficiency Skin Nail Health Stress Cortisol Thyroid Issues Vitamin Deficiency Blood Sugar Chronic Fatigue Low Energy Low Mood, Brain Fog Tired all the Time Sluggish, Thirsty, Foggy Shakey, Irratable, Tired, Light headed Muscle Recovery Sports Performance Hair Thinning Hormone Imbalance Male Female Male Female Low Libido Male Female Male Female Poor Sleep Digestive Bloating Food Intolerance Coeliac Test Dairy Intolerance Test Food Intolerance Test Nut Intolerance Test Shellfish Intolerance Test Coeliac Test Dairy Intolerance Test Food Intolerance Test Nut Intolerance Test Shellfish Intolerance Test Slow Metabolism Male Female Male Female Weight Gain Male Female Male Female Male Vitality Female Fertility Menopause High Cholesterol Heart Health Immune Health Iron Deficiency Skin Nail Health Stress Cortisol Thyroid Issues Vitamin Deficiency About Articles Contact Login facebook email Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes {title} {title} {title}