Measuring your haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels can help you to understand whether you have diabetes or may be at risk of becoming diabetic.
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HbA1c (Haemoglobin A1c)
Fingerprick Blood Sample
Lab Test - results within 48 hours
Free Two Way Delivery Included
Why take a Diabetes Self Test?
Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed using a Haemoglobin A1c test. A blood test is able to provide an indication of average blood glucose (sugar) levels over the previous 3 months - knowing your blood sugar level will allow you to make the necessary changes to lifestyle and diet.
This test measures the levels of haemoglobin A1c in your blood and can provide an insight into your blood sugar levels over a three-month period. This can help you to understand whether you have diabetes or are at risk of getting diabetes.
It is fairly common for people to have diabetes and not know about it.
Symptoms of raised blood glucose levels can include increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision and recurrent infections.
Anyone can develop Type 2 diabetes which is why it is so important to test if you notice any of these symptoms:
you are urinating more often than usual, particularly at night.
extreme fatigue.
feeling very thirsty.
unexplained weight loss.
For anyone who is already diagnosed with diabetes, regular HbA1c checks at least twice a year are essential to monitor your progress.
This test measures Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in your blood.
No, you do not need to fast for this test, but it is recommended that you take your sample first thing in the morning.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that causes you to have too much glucose in your blood because either your body doesn't make enough insulin or because it's not using that insulin as well as it should.
Some of the food you eat is broken down into glucose (sugar) which goes into your bloodstream. The job of insulin is to move the insulin from your blood and put it into the cells where it is used for energy. If you have diabetes your body cannot 'change' the glucose into energy.
Diabetes is a long term chronic condition, but type 2 diabetes can be managed with healthy easting, regular daily exercise and by losing weight.
HbA1c is short for haemoglobin A1c and it is the term used for the combination of glucose bound to your haemoglobin.
Because red blood cells stay in your system for 2-3 months before being recycled by your body, measuring the amout of HbA1c in your blood will give you a picture of your glucose levels over the last 2-3 months.
If you have diabetes and it is not well controlled then your glucose levels adn therefore your HbA1c levels will be higher
Having diabetes means that there are often high levels of glucose in your blood which can damage blood vessels. It can also cause damage to your nerves which control your heart.
People with diabetes are also more likely to have other conditions that can raise the risk of heart disease, such as hypertension, or high blood pressure. This can cause damage to your artery walls as the blood is pushed through with such increased force.
People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times as likely to develeop cardiovascular disease.
Prediabetes means that your blood sugars are higher than usual, but not high enough for you to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes yet.
Prediabetes can also lead to other health conditions, including heart disease and stroke.
But prediabetes can be reversed bymaking lifestyle changes to ensure a healthy weight through:
Eating a healthy and balanced diet
Limiting intake of sweets and sugary drinks like sweet tea, fizzy drinks and sports drinks
Doing more exercise
Managing stress levels with techniques like yoga
Quitting smoking
Diabetes can come from genetics and lifestyle factors
being overweight or obese
being physically inactive
having family history of type 2 diabetes
having prediabetes – when your blood sugar levels are above the normal range but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes yet
being a smoker
urinating more often than usual, particularly at night
feeling very thirsty
extreme fatigue
unexplained weight loss
blurry vision
mood changes
cuts and bruises that take longer than normal to heal
There's no cure for type 2 diabetes, but losing weight, eating well, exercising regularly and stopping smoking can help manage diabetes.
Eating healthy foods that are lower in carbohydrates, added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium (salt) is key to managing blood sugar levels.
If diet and exercise aren't enough to manage blood sugar levels then diabetes medications or insulin therapy may be needed. Insulin therapy replaces the insulin the body would normally make to control blood sugar levels.
You can lower your HbA1c levels by making changes to your lifestyle:
exercise plan
diet plan
medication
Stop smoking
Reduce stress
Exercise plan:
Increase the amount of exercise you do to 150 minutes per week.
You could start with a 20 minute walk after lunch...
Diet plan:
Have a realistic weight loss goal. Ensure you eat the right foods, measure your portion sizes and track your carbohydrates by checking nutrition labels on foods.
Medication:
Take your prescribed medication correctly.
Stop smoking:
Try to stop smoking because it will help your body to use insulin better, which can make your blood sugar levels easier to manage.
Reduce Stress:
Reduce your stress triggers and take care of your mental wellbeing through techniques like yoga, because stress can cause yourblood sugars to rise.
Free two-way shipping is included
Standard DPD delivery to you is included in the price and your kit also includes a Royal Mail 1st Class Tracked label for you to send your sample back.
All orders received by 2pm are shipped the same day. Orders received after 2pm on a Friday will be shipped the next working day.
A kit containing everything you need is sent to an address of your choice.
You can then take a simple finger prick sample, using the lancets provided and collect the drops into the tube. You then register it on-line and post it off to the laboratory using the Royal Mail 1st Class Tracked envelope that is included with your kit.
Your full report, showing your results and how they compare with the normal reference ranges, are reported back to you by email. You will receive your result the day after the lab receives your sample.
All test results are reviewed by the in-house GPs who highlight any areas of concern of that might need further investigation and follow up with a doctor.
Yes, your healthcare provider will recognise your clinically-valid results.
This test is not intended for diagnosis of diabetes, but determines the levels of Haemoglobin A1c in your blood. If your result is high, it is important to share these results with your doctor who will consider them in conjunction with your full medical and family history. Your doctor may also request further follow on tests after you share your results.
Early diagnosis is key to managing any health condition and means an increased range of treatment options, improved long-term health and improved quality of life.
Your results link will be sent to you via email, so you can log in to your secure account and view your results.
Your results include your levels and where they sit against 'normal levels'. There is also a visual interpretation as a colour coded graph so they are easy for you to understand.
Your blood sample will be processed in the laboratory within 24 hours of receipt on all working days. You will receive an email with a secure link through to your account and your results as soon as they are availlable.
It is very important you scan your unique QR code when you open your kit, as this is what links your sample and your result to you. Without this we won't be able to send you your result.
Yes, your samples are processed in the same laboratories that are used by hospitals and primary care providers. All of our partner labs are UKAS and ISO accredited, which are the highest levels of accreditation.
Your BioSURE Self Test kit contains -
Instructions for Use
Collection tube(s)
Alcohol wipe x 2
Lancet x 4
Collection tube label(s)
Pre-paid return packaging
We advise collecting your fingerprick blood sample in the morning, especially for tests that require fasting. Return on the same day in the pre-paid packaging that is supplied with your kit.
We also advise not collecting or returning your sample on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, so the lab receives it in the best possible condition.
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