Blood Glucose & HbA1c Tests-ImageBlood Glucose & HbA1c Tests

🧪 Blood Glucose & HbA1c Tests


Helps detect diabetes or pre-diabetes by measuring sugar levels in the blood.

 

 

🔍 What are they?
 

These two tests assess how your body manages blood sugar (glucose). They're essential in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, pre-diabetes, or insulin resistance.
 

  • Blood Glucose Test – Measures your blood sugar level at the time of the test. It can be done fasting (before eating) or random (any time).
     
  • HbA1c Test (Glycated Haemoglobin) – Measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. It gives a longer-term view than a glucose test alone.

     

📊 What do they measure?

TestPurpose
Fasting Blood GlucoseAssesses how well your body controls blood sugar when not eating.
Random Blood GlucoseA snapshot of your blood sugar at a random time.
HbA1cIndicates your average glucose levels over 8–12 weeks. A key marker for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.

 

 

❓ Why might I need these tests?
 

You may need these tests if you:

  • 😴 Frequently feel tired, thirsty, or hungry
  • ⚖️ Have unexplained weight loss
  • 🚽 Urinate more often, especially at night
  • 👀 Have blurred vision
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Have a family history of diabetes
  • 📏 Are overweight, especially around the tummy
  • 🧬 Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • 🩺 Are undergoing a general health check
     

 

 

🧬 Conditions it can help detect:

 

  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Pre-diabetes / Impaired glucose tolerance
  • Gestational diabetes (during pregnancy)

  • Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
     

     

📈 HbA1c Levels (General Guide):

HbA1c (%)HbA1c (mmol/mol)Interpretation
Below 5.7%Below 39 mmol/molNormal
5.7–6.4%39–47 mmol/molPre-diabetes
6.5% or higher48 mmol/mol or higherDiabetes

Interpretation may vary slightly by lab. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.

 

 

⏱️ How are they done?

 

  • A small blood sample is taken from a vein (or a finger prick for glucose)
  • Fasting glucose requires 8–10 hours without food or drink (except water)
  • Results are typically available within 1–2 days
     

 

💷 Typical private cost in the UK:

 

  • Blood Glucose Test: ~£20–£40
  • HbA1c Test: ~£40–£70

     
  • Often included in diabetes screening or fatigue investigations

     

✅ Commonly combined with:

 

  • Cholesterol / Lipid profile
  • Kidney Function Test (U&Es)
  • Liver Function Test (LFT)
  • Thyroid Function Test
  • Insulin or C-Peptide levels (for insulin resistance assessment)
     

 

📚 References:

  1. NHS UK – Blood tests for diabetes
  2. Diabetes UK – HbA1c explained
  3. NICE Guidelines – Type 2 diabetes in adults: management
  4. Patient.info – Blood glucose testing
     
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