HbA1c & diabetes · London
Private HbA1c (diabetes) test in London, the 3-month blood-sugar reference.
A single blood test for average blood sugar over 3 months — the reference test for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, interpreted alongside your medications and lifestyle.
Why patients choose us
- 01
We explain, not just report
A consultant diabetologist talks you through what your HbA1c actually means — for your medication, food and life.
- 02
No bundle upselling
If a single HbA1c is what you need, that is what we quote. We only add ancillaries when they change management.
- 03
Accredited labs only
UKAS-accredited laboratories using IFCC-standardised HbA1c assays, reviewed every six months on turnaround and quality.
Indicative pricing
What private HbA1c and diabetes testing costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics and laboratories. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A private HbA1c in our network: £45–£90, with results back in 24 hours.
| Test or panel | Indicative range | Appointment time | Results turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| HbA1c only | £45–£90 | 5 min | 24 hrs |
| HbA1c + fasting glucose | £70–£140 | 5 min | 24 hrs |
| Diabetes screen (HbA1c + lipids + LFT + U&Es) | £180–£360 | 15 min | 3–5 days |
| HbA1c + diabetologist consult | £350–£700 | 60 min | 3–5 days |
| Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) trial · 2 weeks | £250–£500 | 15 min setup | 2 weeks |
| Gestational diabetes OGTT | £180–£360 | 2 hrs | 24–48 hrs |
Prices vary by laboratory, whether ancillary markers are included, how quickly you need the results, and whether a phlebotomist comes to you. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
A number on a PDF is not a diagnosis.
Plenty of services will run an HbA1c and email you a figure. Whether that figure means something — pre-diabetes, diabetes, a lab quirk, or nothing at all — is the part that matters. That is what a consultant diabetologist is for.
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Borderline HbA1c?
We help you tell a genuine borderline from an anaemia-distorted reading, and decide whether to repeat, add fasting glucose or move to OGTT.
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New diabetes diagnosis?
A consultant diabetologist walks you through the result, what medication is likely and what lifestyle changes make the biggest difference.
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On insulin and running blind?
We arrange a 2-week CGM trial so decisions rest on 24/7 data, not fingerpricks and hope.
The journey
From enquiry to results — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to explained result — usually within a day or two for HbA1c alone.
Phase 1 · Before your test
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~5 minutes for the draw
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Any prior HbA1c, medication, and what you want to understand.
- 02
Before
We recommend the right test
Within one working day: HbA1c alone, HbA1c plus ancillaries, a full diabetes screen, or a CGM trial — with clear pricing.
- 03
Before
We book the appointment
Clinic, home or office, often same or next day. HbA1c needs no fasting.
- 04
On the day
The blood draw
A few minutes with an experienced phlebotomist. A brief scratch, and it is done.
- 05
On the day
Off to the lab
Your sample goes to a UKAS-accredited laboratory the same day.
- 06
After
Results reviewed
Results are checked by a consultant diabetologist, usually within 24 hours for HbA1c alone.
- 07
After
We explain them
We talk you through what the number means — normal, pre-diabetes or diabetes — and arrange any next step.
Typical end-to-end: 1–3 days for HbA1c alone. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
When an HbA1c actually answers the question.
The situations where HbA1c is the reference test — and one where it isn’t, and you need same-day care instead.
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Diabetes screening (asymptomatic)
A single HbA1c is the reference screening test for adults with risk factors — family history, BMI, ethnicity or age.
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Established type 2 diabetes monitoring
HbA1c every 3–6 months to track control on metformin, GLP-1s, SGLT2s or insulin.
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Gestational diabetes screen
HbA1c is used pre-pregnancy and early in pregnancy; an OGTT is used from 24–28 weeks.
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Type 1 treatment monitoring
HbA1c alongside CGM data to review insulin dosing, time-in-range and hypoglycaemia risk.
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Pre-diabetes (42–47 mmol/mol)
The window where lifestyle change and, sometimes, medication can prevent progression to diabetes.
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Pregnancy planning
Optimising HbA1c below 48 mmol/mol before conception reduces risk to mother and baby.
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Poor lipid control
Metabolic syndrome overlaps — HbA1c is checked alongside lipids when triglycerides or HDL are off.
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Red flag: DKA symptoms
Thirst, weight loss, ketone breath or breathlessness — same-day A&E, not a private appointment.
Panels we arrange
HbA1c options, from single marker to CGM.
What each option is actually for.
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HbA1c only
The single reference marker. No fasting required. Best for screening and routine monitoring.
-
HbA1c + fasting glucose
Adds a snapshot to the 3-month average — useful when HbA1c is borderline or unreliable.
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Diabetes screen — full
HbA1c plus lipids, LFTs and U&Es for a metabolic and organ-function baseline.
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HbA1c + diabetologist consult
A consultant-led review of your results, medication and lifestyle — the most useful package for a new diagnosis.
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CGM 2-week trial
A small sensor worn on the arm gives 24/7 glucose data — best-in-class for insulin-treated patients.
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OGTT (75 g)
The 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, used in pregnancy and when HbA1c is unreliable.
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Type 1 comprehensive panel
HbA1c, C-peptide, GAD and IA-2 antibodies to characterise and confirm type 1 diabetes.
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Post-bariatric follow-up
HbA1c with iron, B12 and vitamin D to track remission and screen for deficiencies.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics and diabetologists, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London, plus home and office phlebotomy. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic, laboratory and diabetologist in our network.
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UKAS-accredited laboratories using IFCC-standardised HbA1c assays
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Consultant diabetologists reviewing every result in context
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CGM available for insulin-treated patients, with clinician-led interpretation
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A clear onward pathway — lifestyle programmes and pharmacotherapy — where indicated
Preparation and practicalities
One of the simplest tests in medicine — with caveats worth knowing.
HbA1c is straightforward, but a handful of things — anaemia, haemoglobin variants, pregnancy — can change how the result should be read.
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No fasting required
HbA1c reflects the last 3 months of blood sugar, so it does not matter when you last ate.
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Anaemia distorts HbA1c
Iron-deficiency anaemia can push HbA1c falsely low; some anaemias push it falsely high. We check FBC alongside if there is doubt.
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Haemoglobinopathies also distort HbA1c
Sickle cell trait, thalassaemia and HbC/HbE variants can affect the assay. We use fructosamine or CGM where needed.
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Pregnancy — HbA1c is less reliable
Red-cell turnover rises in pregnancy, so HbA1c under-reads. OGTT is the standard from 24–28 weeks.
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CGM is best-in-class for insulin-treated
Time-in-range and hypoglycaemia data change management in ways HbA1c alone cannot.
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Fingerprick BM is different from HbA1c
Home glucose meters give a snapshot; HbA1c is the 3-month average. Both have a role, and they should agree in spirit.
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Thresholds
Under 42 mmol/mol is normal, 42–47 mmol/mol is pre-diabetes, 48 mmol/mol or above is diabetes.
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A single result deserves a repeat
A diagnosis of diabetes on HbA1c usually needs a confirmatory repeat unless symptoms are unmistakable.
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Always share prior results
Trend matters more than any single number. Bring old HbA1cs and CGM downloads to your review.
Reading your report
An HbA1c report is short. Read the impression first.
However many ancillaries were run, the report follows the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
A single HbA1c is a snapshot of an average — context and trend are everything.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and medications
Your details, why the test was requested, and the medications and supplements that could affect the result.
- 02 Technique
HbA1c method and ancillaries
Which laboratory ran the assay, which method (HPLC or immunoassay), and any ancillary tests included.
- 03 Findings
Your value and the trend
Your HbA1c in mmol/mol and DCCT %, alongside prior results where available, so the trajectory is visible.
- 04 Impression
Read this first — what it means
Normal, pre-diabetes or diabetes, and the next steps — lifestyle, repeat testing, referral or medication review.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Routine screening is often self-funded; where testing is medically indicated we confirm cover with your insurer.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about HbA1c.
Quick answers on what HbA1c measures, fasting, anaemia, pregnancy, CGM, cost and referral.
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What does HbA1c actually measure?
HbA1c is the fraction of haemoglobin in your red blood cells that has glucose attached to it. Because red cells live for around 3 months, HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the previous 8–12 weeks.
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Do I need to fast for an HbA1c?
No. HbA1c is unaffected by when you last ate, so you can have it done at any time of day.
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Can anaemia affect my HbA1c?
Yes. Iron-deficiency anaemia often pushes HbA1c falsely low, and some anaemias push it high. We check a full blood count alongside when there is doubt.
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Is HbA1c reliable in pregnancy?
HbA1c is useful pre-pregnancy and in the first trimester, but red-cell turnover rises later in pregnancy and makes it under-read. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the standard from 24–28 weeks.
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What is CGM and do I need it?
A continuous glucose monitor is a small sensor worn on the arm that records glucose 24/7 for 10–14 days. It is best-in-class for anyone on insulin, and revealing for anyone with unexplained highs, lows or borderline HbA1c.
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How much does a private HbA1c cost?
A single HbA1c is typically £45–£90, adding fasting glucose brings it to £70–£140, a full diabetes screen is £180–£360, and a consultant-led review with the test is £350–£700.
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Do I need a referral?
No. HbA1c is a self-referral test, and we can arrange a fast-track consultant diabetologist if the result needs one.
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How quickly do I get results?
HbA1c alone is usually back within 24 hours. A full diabetes screen with lipids and biochemistry takes 3–5 days.
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Can pre-diabetes be reversed?
Often, yes. A 5–10% weight loss, regular activity and a Mediterranean-style diet can bring pre-diabetes (42–47 mmol/mol) back into the normal range, and reduce progression to diabetes by more than half.
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When should I see a GP urgently?
If you have thirst, rapid weight loss, ketone-smelling breath, breathlessness, or a very high blood glucose reading on a home meter, go to A&E or call 111 the same day — this is not a private-appointment situation.
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