Blood Sugar and Diabetes Risk Check HbA1c and Glucose
Thirst, tiredness, or a family history of diabetes can all raise concern. This profile pairs HbA1c with a random glucose reading to give you both a long-term and real-time snapshot of your blood sugar control.
Doctor-led
UKAS labs
Results in 2-3 days
Order your Kit
Get a clear snapshot of your health without the hassle. We’ll send the kit and instructions
How it works
Book a home visit
A health professional takes your sample at home or work
From £65
Book a clinic
Professional blood draw at a nearby partner clinic.
From £40
Free tracked return
Post your kit in any Royal Mail postbox with the pre-paid, tracked label.
Doctor-written report
Every Brooksby Medical result is written and reviewed by a GP. You’ll get plain-English explanations for each marker and clear next steps.
Dr James Coleman, MBChB, MRCGP
Founder & GP, Brooksby Medical
Every report is personally reviewed with clear, actionable advice.
Data secure • UKAS-accredited labs • Doctor-led care
What’s measured in this test
Each biomarker helps reveal insights into your health.
HbA1c
HbA1c
HbA1c (haemoglobin A1c, or glycated haemoglobin) reflects your average blood glucose over roughly three months. Glucose attaches to haemoglobin in red blood cells, and because these cells live for around 12–16 weeks, HbA1c provides a longer-term picture than a single glucose reading.
A raised HbA1c suggests diabetes or a higher risk of developing it. Persistently high glucose can affect lifespan and quality of life, contributing to heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, nerve and circulation issues. It can also influence mental health, and men with diabetes are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.
Keeping your HbA1c within a healthy range lowers the risk of these complications and supports long-term wellbeing.
Random Glucose
What is it?
A random glucose test measures the level of sugar (glucose) circulating in your blood at the time the sample is taken, regardless of when you last ate. Glucose is your body's primary source of energy, regulated by the hormone insulin.
Why is it measured?
It is used as a quick check of how your body is managing blood sugar. When combined with HbA1c, it provides both a snapshot and a longer-term view of your metabolic health.
What can high results mean?
A high random glucose level can suggest your body is not controlling blood sugar effectively. This may indicate diabetes, pre-diabetes, or a temporary rise due to recent food intake, stress, or illness.
What can low results mean?
A low random glucose level can cause shakiness, sweating, confusion, or feeling faint. It may be related to prolonged fasting, intense exercise, or certain medications.
What can affect the result?
Food and drink consumed shortly before the test
Physical activity and stress levels
Medications, including diabetes treatments
Acute illness or infection
Frequently asked questions
What is Metabolic Disease and why is it important?
Metabolic disease refers to a collection of conditions, often linked to how your body uses energy (metabolism). It happens when the body struggles to process nutrients correctly, leading to issues like high blood sugar, excess fat around the waist, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
It's important because these issues often build up silently over years. If ignored, they significantly increase your long-term risk for serious diseases, including heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Is diabetes the same as metabolic disease?
No. Diabetes (specifically Type 2) is one of the most serious outcomes of long-term metabolic dysfunction, but they are not the same thing.
Signs of metabolic problems—such as insulin insensitivity (where your body struggles to use insulin effectively)—can be detected years before you develop diabetes. This test is designed to catch these early warning signs so you can make lifestyle changes and prevent the progression to full Type 2 diabetes.
Who is this test for?
This test is for anyone who wants a comprehensive check of their metabolic health risk and diabetes. It’s useful if you have risk factors (like recent weight gain, a family history of diabetes, or high blood pressure) or want to investigate potential insulin insensitivity.
What can this test reveal?
It gives you two key readings:
Average Blood Sugar (HbA1c): Your long-term blood sugar picture over the past 2–3 months.
Fasting Blood Sugar (Glucose): Your critical baseline reading, which is particularly useful for assessing your current metabolic health and insulin sensitivity.
The results may indicate an increased risk of pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or underlying metabolic issues.
Does this test include cholesterol or other markers?
No. This screen measures HbA1c and glucose only. If you want a broader assessment that includes cholesterol and heart inflammation, please choose one of our more comprehensive metabolic or heart health profiles.
Do I need to fast?
Yes. Fasting is required. Please fast for 8 hours and attend first thing in the morning (water only). Performing the test while fasting is essential to accurately assess your current metabolic baseline and potential insulin sensitivity.
How will I receive my results?
Secure online results with a GP-written explanation from Brooksby Medical in 2–3 working days.
What happens if something is abnormal?
We will clearly explain the significance of the results and advise on the practical next steps. If needed, we may recommend follow-up tests, specific lifestyle measures, or an onward referral.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow these essential instructions to ensure an accurate baseline result:
Fasting is Required: Fast for 8 hours and take your sample first thing in the morning (you may drink water only).
Be Well: Take your sample when you are feeling well (avoid testing during short-term illness).
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water beforehand.
What to Bring: Bring your photo ID and your order confirmation email to your appointment.
Related reading
Articles from our GP that relate to this test - explaining your results, what they mean, and when to take action.
THE BRIEFING
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