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Diabetes Health
Diabetes is a serious, long-term condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose). When left unmanaged or undiagnosed, it can lead to severe, life-threatening complications and remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and ongoing monitoring are crucial for preventing or delaying complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage (neuropathy), and vision loss.
Our Diabetes Health blood test gives a precise measurement of your current blood glucose levels at the time of your appointment. For the most reliable results, a fasting sample is recommended. In addition to assessing immediate glucose levels, we also measure long-term glucose control using the Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) test, which reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. This combined approach provides both a real-time and long-term view of your blood sugar management, enabling your doctor to make informed decisions about your care.
HbA1c8–12 week average
48 hrsresults turnaround
GPled interpretation
UKASaccredited lab
Why a Diabetes Health test matters
Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes often develop quietly, with raised blood sugar causing harm long before obvious symptoms appear. This test measures HbA1c, which reflects your average blood sugar over the past 8–12 weeks — a reliable way to detect diabetes or prediabetes, or to monitor diabetes you already know about.
Catching changes early can significantly reduce the risk of complications affecting the heart, kidneys and eyes. Every result is reviewed and explained by a GP, with clear guidance on what it means and any next steps.
What's included in your Diabetes Health test
A single, focused blood test measuring your long-term blood sugar control.
Marker tested
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin)
What your result can indicate
Average blood sugarYour typical blood sugar control over the past 8–12 weeks.
Diabetes & prediabetesHelps detect type 2 diabetes, or raised risk before it develops.
MonitoringUseful for keeping track if you already have diabetes.
A stable pictureUnlike a one-off glucose test, it isn't swayed by what you ate that day.
How it works
Book onlineChoose a time that suits you, or call us. Most checks can be booked online.
Quick blood sampleA short, comfortable appointment at one of our clinical sites — around 15 minutes.
Expert lab analysisYour sample is processed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory.
GP-reviewed resultsWithin 48 hours, a GP reviews and explains your results — with clear, personalised advice.
Is this test right for you?
It's a helpful choice if you:
Have risk factorsFamily history, higher weight, an inactive lifestyle or increasing age.
Notice symptomsExcessive thirst, frequent urination, tiredness or unexplained weight loss.
Are monitoring diabetesWant regular insight into your blood sugar control.
Want a baselineKeen to know where your blood sugar stands.
Why choose Solasta
GP interpretation, not softwareEvery result is reviewed and explained by an experienced local GP — so you know what it means and what to do next.
Accurate, accredited resultsAnalysed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) for reliable, fast diagnostics.
Continuity of careMore than a one-off test — discreet, unhurried care with ongoing support and follow-up if needed.
What to know before your appointment
No fasting required
This test measures HbA1c, your average blood sugar over the past 8–12 weeks, so there's no need to fast beforehand. (A more comprehensive diabetes assessment that also measures your current glucose may require fasting — just ask.)
Stay hydrated
Please ensure you are well hydrated prior to your appointment, as being dehydrated may make the blood draw more difficult.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a common component of many multivitamins and is also available as a standalone supplement. Biotin is known to interfere with laboratory testing and can affect various blood results. Unless prescribed by your doctor, we recommend stopping supplementation at least 48 hours prior to testing. If the supplement has been prescribed, please speak with your doctor before stopping.
Diabetes Health FAQs
What is HbA1c?
HbA1c stands for glycated haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the protein in your blood that carries oxygen around your body. When your blood glucose is high, some of it binds to haemoglobin to form HbA1c — so the higher your blood sugar, the higher your HbA1c.
What does the HbA1c blood test show?
It assesses your average blood sugar control over the past 8–12 weeks. Unlike a one-off glucose test, it isn't affected by short-term changes, which makes it useful for diagnosing diabetes or prediabetes and for monitoring diabetes over time.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include:
- Needing to urinate more than usual, especially at night
- Feeling thirsty much of the time
- Feeling very tired
- Unexplained weight loss
- Genital itching or recurrent thrush
- Blurred vision
- Cuts and wounds taking longer to heal
What increases my risk of type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to higher body weight, a poor diet and an inactive lifestyle, and your risk increases with age. Having a close relative with diabetes also raises your risk, as does your ethnicity — it is more common in people of South Asian, African-Caribbean and Black African descent.
Do I need to fast for an HbA1c blood test?
No. Because HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over 8–12 weeks, you don't need to fast for this test. A more comprehensive diabetes assessment that also measures your current blood sugar may require fasting — please ask if that would suit you better.
Will a doctor explain my results?
Yes. Your result is interpreted by an experienced GP with personalised guidance and any recommended next steps.
How is the sample taken?
A simple blood sample is taken at one of our clinical sites in a short, comfortable appointment of around 15 minutes.
Related checks & services
Heart HealthCholesterol and lipids to assess your cardiovascular risk.
Well ManA comprehensive general health check across all the major systems.
Well WomanA comprehensive general health check across all the major systems.
Private GP appointmentDiscuss your results and next steps with an experienced local GP.
Ready to understand your health?
Book your Diabetes Health test online, or call us — NI 028 40 648 486 · ROI +353 1906 1950.
Book your Diabetes Health test online, or call us — NI 028 40 648 486 · ROI +353 1906 1950.