This simple home finger prick test measures HbA1c which is used in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. This is an important test if you have symptoms such as feeling thirsty all the time, frequent urination, fatigue or blurred vision.

HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) measures how much glucose is attached to part of the red blood cells (the haemoglobin). This test is also useful for monitoring how well you are controlling your blood glucose as it gives an indication of the average blood glucose (sugar) over the previous two to three months. You do not need to fast before having a HbA1c test which means you don’t need to worry about the time of day that you test.

The UK has the fastest growing rate of diabetes in the developing world. Every two minutes someone will learn they have the condition and another million more may already have type 2 diabetes but have not been diagnosed.

Regardless of any symptoms, it is suggested that you are checked and especially for prediabetes if you are overweight, with a BMI of over 25, and/or you are over the age of 45.

Testing is especially important if you also have any of these other risk factors:

• You have a strong family history risk of type 2 diabetes
• You’re physically inactive
• You have a history of gestational diabetes or have ever given birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds (4kg)
• You have, or have had, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
• You have high triglycerides or low ‘good’ HDL cholesterol

With prediabetes there are not many clear-cut symptoms, however you might see darkened skin on certain areas of your body – a condition known as acanthosis nigricans. This is often found between your elbow and shoulder and, at first, you might think your skin is just dirty. You can also develop skin tags (acrohorda), floppy bits of skin that can grow anywhere but are most commonly found on the neck, underarms and eyelids. Skin tags don’t necessarily indicate prediabetes, but they can show that your blood sugar is not as balanced as it should be and it is worth doing the HbA1c test.

It's also worth knowing that this measurement of HbA1c has much larger implications beyond indicating your risk of diabetes. It is well known that people with diabetes are more at risk than non-diabetics of developing certain cancers including womb, liver, pancreatic, kidney, oesophageal, bowel, breast and bladder cancer – and new research has looked at whether the level of HbA1c can be used as a predictor for cancer development, independent of diabetes.

On a positive note, research has shown that type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease and the World Health Organisation has made it clear that a healthy diet, regular exercise and maintaining a normal bodyweight can make all the different to delaying and even preventing it.

So, if you want to find out if you are at risk of type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, then you should order this Diabetes Test now.

Samples should be returned to the laboratory by Next Day Delivery, Monday- Thursday only. Samples received outside of the suggested postage dates may be discarded and the patient asked to repeat the test.

Please Note: This test is only available by post in the UK. Please allow 5-6 weeks to receive your results.

Please be advised that the tests that you have bought on the Natural Health Practice website will be managed by our sister company Glenville Nutrition Clinic.

If you need any further information about how your personal data is used please contact help@naturalhealthpractice.com