Glucose / Diabetes Testing

ISO

Feefo

CQC

Pre-diabetes occurs when glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Those with pre-diabetes have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes – but if it’s identified early enough, they can usually prevent diabetes through diet and lifestyle changes. Your check for diabetes involves a simple blood test to measure the amount of glucose in your blood stream. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance).

Dr Cullimore says: “Around 3.5 million people in the UK have diabetes – and it’s likely another half a million people have the condition but are not aware. Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because early symptoms tend to be more general, like feeling tired or needing to urinate more often than usual. Diabetes vastly increases your risk of developing other illnesses including kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, eye damage, and even some cancers. In fact, diabetics are up to 5 times more likely to suffer heart disease or stroke, and are also at an increased risk of limb amputation. The good news is that if it’s picked up early enough, diabetes can usually be treated through diet and lifestyle changes.”

You’ll also receive other relevant readings including cholesterol, protein and uric acid to help put your result into the proper context.

All our tests have been specially designed to be convenient and non-invasive. Once you’ve booked your appointment, full preparation instructions will be provided in your confirmation email or letter. You can continue to eat and drink normally before your appointment, and you’ll also remain fully clothed throughout.

Which readings are included?

Diabetes / Glucose Check

Glucose is a type of sugar created (as a simple carbohydrate) when you eat. This type 2 diabetes check measures the level of glucose in your blood. Around half a million people in the UK have undiagnosed diabetes, and although it increases your risk of developing serious illnesses including cancer and heart disease, in many cases the condition can be treated or even reversed through diet and lifestyle changes.

Cholesterol Check / Lipid Panel

You'll receive 5 key readings including LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol, HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) or “good” cholesterol, Triglycerides, Total cholesterol and HDL/total cholesterol ratio. Together, these readings are used to determine whether your cholesterol is too high. High cholesterol can dramatically increase your risk of serious health conditions like heart attack, stroke, peripheral arterial disease and atherosclerosis. Over 50% of UK adults have high cholesterol.

General Health Markers

Your general health markers include Albumin, Globulin, Protein and Iron. Abnormal levels of any of these can indicate liver and kidney disorders. Additionally, iron deficiency may indicate anaemia or an underlying problem with your stomach, bowel or kidneys.

Energy, Muscles and Bones Check

This includes tests for calcium, corrected calcium and phosphate. Calcium is essential for healthy bone and muscle function. Phosphates are important for energy production, muscle and nerve function.

Uric Acid / Gout

High levels of uric acid can indicate gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis which causes swelling of the joints. Low levels of uric acid can be a symptom of kidney or liver disease.

Kidney Function Check

This includes tests for Sodium, Urea and Creatinine. Abnormal levels can indicate impaired kidney function and fluid imbalance in your body. You’ll also get a reading for your eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), used to ascertain how efficiently and effectively your kidneys are working.