Understanding
diabetes.
Understand your blood sugar and the role of diabetes screening in your overall health.
What you need to know.
Diabetes develops when blood glucose is too high. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different causes, but both require appropriate medical care. A routine health screen can provide useful information about blood sugar control.
Signs & symptoms
- Feeling unusually thirsty
- Passing urine more frequently
- Persistent tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss or blurred vision
Factors to discuss
- Family history of type 2 diabetes
- Being overweight or less physically active
- Age and ethnic background
- A history of high blood pressure
What testing can tell you.
HbA1c is included in Essential, Advanced and Performance & Longevity. It provides a view of blood sugar control over time. An unexpected result needs clinical interpretation and may require follow-up tests.
A routine screen does not replace assessment of symptoms or establish which type of diabetes someone has. Speak to your GP if you think you may have diabetes.
Your next step
If you have symptoms or a specific health concern, speak to your GP. If you’re choosing a routine health screen, review the package’s included tests or ask our team for help.
Further reading: NHS information on this topic