HbA1c (Diabetes) Blood Test
Who Is This For?
An HbA1c blood test shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. It is one of the most reliable ways to detect diabetes, identify pre-diabetes early, and monitor how well blood sugar is being controlled. At The Pharmacy Bebington, the HbA1c test is carried out in the pharmacy, with results sent to you by email within 15 minutes.
Price of the HbA1c Blood Test
The HbA1c blood test is available for £39.99, including in-pharmacy testing to measure average blood sugar levels. It supports diabetes monitoring, early detection of pre-diabetes, and long-term blood glucose management.
Price £39.99
About the HbA1c Blood Test
The HbA1c test, also known as the glycated haemoglobin test, measures how much sugar has attached to your red blood cells over time.
Unlike a single blood sugar reading, this test shows a longer-term picture of blood glucose levels, helping to identify problems before serious complications develop.
What the HbA1c Blood Test Measures
This test measures HbA1c, which reflects your average blood sugar levels over the last 2 to 3 months.
When blood sugar levels are high, glucose sticks to haemoglobin in red blood cells. Because red blood cells live for around three months, HbA1c provides a reliable snapshot of long-term blood sugar control, rather than day-to-day fluctuations.
Why You Might Need The HbA1c Blood Test
You may benefit from an HbA1c blood test if you:
- Feel excessively thirsty.
- Need to urinate more frequently, especially at night.
- Feel persistently tired or lacking energy.
- Experience unexplained weight loss.
- Have genital itching or recurring thrush.
- Notice wounds that heal very slowly.
- Experience ongoing blurred vision.
HbA1c testing is also important for:
- Detecting pre-diabetes early.
- Monitoring diabetes control over time.
- Checking whether lifestyle changes, diet, or medication are working effectively.
- High blood sugar can quietly damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves long before symptoms appear. Early testing helps prevent long-term complications.
Preparation Requirements for HbA1c Blood Test
- No preparation is required for the HbA1c blood test.
- You do not need to fast, and the test can be done at any time of day.
Turnaround Time for Results
Your sample is analysed in the pharmacy, and your results are sent to you by email within 15 minutes of completing the test.
Understanding Your Test Results
HbA1c results are reported in:
- Millimoles per mole (nmol/mol)
- Percentage (%)
These results fall into the following ranges:
HbA1c Status
HbA1c Level (nmol/mol / %)
What This Means
Normal
Less than 42 nmol/mol (less than 6%)
Indicates healthy blood sugar control. Retesting every 12 months is recommended to monitor for any changes.
Prediabetic
42–47 nmol/mol (6–6.4%)
Suggests an increased risk of developing diabetes. Early action can help prevent progression. Retesting every 6 months is usually advised.
Diabetic
More than 47 nmol/mol (more than 6.4%)
Indicates diabetes. Medical advice is required to manage blood sugar levels effectively. Retesting every 3 months helps monitor treatment progress.
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HbA1c Status
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HbA1c Level (nmol/mol / %)
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What This Means
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Normal
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Less than 42 nmol/mol (less than 6%)
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Indicates healthy blood sugar control. Retesting every 12 months is recommended to monitor for any changes.
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Prediabetic
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42–47 nmol/mol (6–6.4%)
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Suggests an increased risk of developing diabetes. Early action can help prevent progression. Retesting every 6 months is usually advised.
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Diabetic
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More than 47 nmol/mol (more than 6.4%)
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Indicates diabetes. Medical advice is required to manage blood sugar levels effectively. Retesting every 3 months helps monitor treatment progress.
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HbA1c Testing at The Pharmacy Bebington
HbA1c blood testing is available at The Pharmacy Bebington, providing a convenient service for patients in Bebington, New Ferry, Birkenhead, Bromborough, Wallasey, and Heswall.
All tests are carried out in the pharmacy, with fast results and clear explanations to support early detection, monitoring, and long-term health management.
All tests are carried out in the pharmacy, with fast results and clear explanations to support early detection, monitoring, and long-term health management.