Diabetes Test

What is the main test for diabetes and glycosylated haemoglobin?

Diabetes is a condition where you are unable to regulate your blood sugar (or glucose) levels, meaning you may have too much or too little glucose in your bloodstream. Haemoglobin carries oxygen around the body, and is a protein found in red blood cells. Glycosylated haemoglobin, also known as HbA1c, is a combination of glucose (which is not used for the generation of energy) with haemoglobin, in a process known as glycosylation. If you have more glucose in your bloodstream, you will have more HbA1c too, which increases the risk of physical damage and therefore health problems. Higher levels of glycosylated haemoglobin can indicate higher blood sugar levels, which could indicate diabetes or if a diabetes diagnosis has been made, poorly controlled diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination or urine infections
• Increase in thirst or hunger
• Unexplained weight loss

As red blood cells have a four-month lifespan, the Better2Know HbA1c test gives an idea of the average blood sugar over this time period rather than any response to short term changes. Our test can therefore periodically check how well you may be controlling your blood sugar when living with diabetes.

Why should I consider a Glycosylated Haemoglobin test?

A Better2Know HbA1c test will inform you about your glycosylated haemoglobin levels which can indicate how well you are controlling your diabetes or if you have diabetes. If you are worried about unexplained symptoms or have already been diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes and are following a diet, exercise, or drug programme to control this, this test will be for you.

How can HbA1c be tested?

At Better2Know, our tests are simple and efficient. At a clinic of your choice, we will take a small blood sample. The blood sample will then be sent directly to our certified, country laboratory for analysis.

How will I receive my test results?

Your results will be available within one working day after our certified laboratory receives your blood sample. We have an online secure patient area on the Better2Know website that you will be able to access to view your confidential results. One of our experienced Patient Services team will contact you directly as soon as all your results become available.

What should I do with my results?

If your glycosylated haemoglobin results reveal levels outside the normal range, our dedicated Better2Know team can arrange a doctors consultation with you. At the private consultation with one of our skilled doctors across the country, the doctor will guide you through your results and suggest treatment options moving forward.