Are you concerned about developing diabetes? Our Diabetes Test measures your HbA1c levels and is a reliable risk indicator of developing pre-diabetes and diabetes.
- Expert laboratory testing and analysis
- Supporting guidebook provided to help you make effective lifestyle changes
- Convenient, prepaid postage service* – no need to visit our laboratory
- This test is only available in England, Scotland and Wales
Since 1996, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK has risen from 1.4 million to 3.5 million. Around three in five cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by merely maintaining a healthy weight, eating well and being active. So, how can you take action?
The Diabetes Test is a quick and easy home-to-lab finger-prick blood test which measure levels of glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in your blood. HbA1c measures your average blood glucose (sugar) levels over the past three months. As a result, this test is a useful indicator and allows for early detection of risk for diabetes.
Along with the measurement of HbA1c in your blood, you will also receive guidance on how to bring your level down to decrease your risk of developing diabetes and how you can make small steps to improve your health and wellbeing.
What does the kit include?
*Please note, your kit may only contain one absorbent wand and container. If this is the case, please proceed as usual as we only need one sample.
YorkTest’s Diabetes Test contains all you need to take a small blood sample in the comfort of your own home. The collected finger-prick blood sample is then posted back to YorkTest’s fully accredited partner laboratory for analysis.
Your blood sample is tested to the same stringent standards as hospital HbA1c tests, which have been used for many years. Besides, the sample collection method and associated stability and transport of the blood samples have been validated to meet the essential requirements of the In Vitro Diagnostic Device Directive.
Who is this test not suitable for?
The HbA1C testing service is not suitable for those in the below categories:
- You are under the age of 18
- You suffer from anaemia.
- You have had your spleen removed
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are suffering from blood-borne disorders
- You have been diagnosed with diabetes
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
There are two main types of diabetes. When you’ve got type 1 diabetes, you can’t make any insulin at all, and this is a lifelong condition. Type 1 diabetes can appear at any time in someone’s life after the destruction of pancreas cells, which produce insulin. It isn’t clear why they have been damaged.
If you’ve got type 2 diabetes, it’s slightly different. The insulin you make either can’t work effectively, or you can’t produce enough of it. Type 2 diabetes usually appears in adults; however, it is frequently being diagnosed in younger overweight people and certain ethnic groups. A change can reduce the risk of its development in lifestyle.
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes through family genes is much higher than for type 1 diabetes.
About 90 per cent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. We all need insulin to live. It does an essential job. It allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body still breaks down carbohydrate from your food and drink and turns it into glucose. The pancreas responds to this by releasing insulin. But because this insulin can’t work correctly, blood glucose levels keep rising. As a result, more insulin is released. For some people with type 2 diabetes, this can eventually tire the pancreas out, meaning their body makes less and less insulin. That causes even higher blood glucose levels.
How common is diabetes?
Diabetes prevalence in the UK is estimated to rise to 5 million by 2025. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, has been growing at an unusually high rate and is now one of the world’s most common long-term health conditions.
Worryingly, there are around 1.1 million people in the UK who have diabetes but have not yet been diagnosed. YorkTest’s HbA1c testing service raises awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and helps people understand how a healthy lifestyle can help reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Test*
*Diabetes Test (HbA1c) results are provided for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use Diabetes Test results for diagnosing or treating medical or health condition. If you feel unwell or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your GP.
Philippa Davis –
Excellent practitioner who is very caring and knowledgeable. I Would highly recommend him.