Diabetes blood tests
Private diabetes blood tests to check HbA1c, glucose and broader diabetic profiles.
Book a GP blood test appointment if you want to assess diabetes risk, monitor known diabetes or discuss symptoms such as thirst, tiredness, weight change or frequent urination.
Diabetes blood tests and profiles
Test options
Use the options below if you already know which diabetes-related test or profile you need. If you are unsure whether HbA1c, glucose or a broader diabetic profile is right for you, book a GP blood test appointment and your GP can advise.
Glucose
HbA1c
Glucose
HbA1c
Microalbumin
From booking to results
Your appointment, step by step
Book online, see a GP, have your sample taken during the appointment and view your results securely in your DocTap account.
- 1Book online in minutesChoose your preferred clinic and time, and select a male or female clinician where available. You will get instant confirmation.
- 2We will tell you how to prepareMost blood tests do not need fasting. If a test needs anything specific beforehand, we will let you know before your appointment.
- 3See a GP and have your sample takenYour appointment includes a 15-minute GP consultation to discuss symptoms, check suitability or advise which test you need. A quick blood sample is then taken from your arm.
- 4Get results and follow-upYou will get a message when your result is ready. Your results and doctor's report will be available securely in your DocTap account; abnormal results are prioritised and your clinician will contact you if urgent action is needed.
What it can show
What diabetes blood tests can show
Different diabetes blood tests answer different questions, from longer-term blood sugar control to a broader metabolic picture.
HbA1c gives a longer-term view
HbA1c reflects average blood sugar over roughly the previous two to three months. It is commonly used to assess diabetes risk and monitor longer-term blood sugar control.
Glucose shows a point-in-time level
A glucose result shows blood sugar at the time of testing. It can be useful alongside symptoms, medication, fasting status and HbA1c, but it is not the same as a longer-term HbA1c result.
Diabetic profiles add wider context
A diabetic profile can combine HbA1c with glucose and related markers such as urine microalbumin, helping your GP understand the wider pattern rather than one number alone.
When to test
When diabetes blood testing can help
Testing can be useful when symptoms, risk factors or monitoring needs make blood sugar worth checking.
Symptoms of raised blood sugar
Testing may be useful if you are unusually thirsty, passing urine more often, feeling very tired, having blurred vision, getting recurrent infections or noticing unexplained weight change.
Diabetes risk factors
HbA1c or a broader diabetic profile can help if you have a family history of diabetes, weight concerns, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, previous raised glucose or other metabolic risk factors.
Monitoring known diabetes or lifestyle changes
If you already have diabetes or have been trying to reduce risk through lifestyle changes, testing can help show whether longer-term blood sugar and related markers are moving in the right direction.
Results
Understanding diabetes blood test results
The useful question is not just whether one marker is high, but what the overall pattern means for your next step.
HbA1c, glucose and profile results mean different things
HbA1c reflects longer-term blood sugar, glucose is more immediate, and diabetic profiles can add wider context. Your GP will interpret the pattern rather than treating every number separately.
What may happen next
Your GP may discuss diet, exercise, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function and repeat testing. If results are high, the next step is usually a structured plan rather than simply repeating the same test without context.
Before your appointment
You usually do not need to fast for HbA1c, but preparation can vary if glucose or a broader profile is added. Bring previous glucose or HbA1c results if you have them, because a trend is often more helpful than one isolated number.
Clinical quality
The standards behind every test
The clinical standards behind every DocTap blood test, across our London clinics.
- CQC rated ‘Good’.
- Independently inspected and regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
- Fully GMC-registered doctors.
- UK-trained and experienced GPs only.
- Every consultation reviewed.
- Each one is checked for quality and safety, overseen by our Medical Director.
- No sales incentives.
- Our GPs are never paid commissions for tests or treatments.
Ready to book?
Book a diabetes blood test appointment online, or compare prices for HbA1c, glucose and diabetic profile tests.
11 locations where we test
DocTap London clinics and on-site laboratories
Canary Wharf
Situated by South Quay Footbridge, a 3-minute walk from Canary Wharf and Heron Quays stations.
Hammersmith
Situated on King Street, a 6-minute walk from Hammersmith underground stations.
Kings Cross & Euston
Located just off Euston Road, less than a 10-minute walk from both Euston and King’s Cross stations.
Liverpool Street & Bank
Located in the heart of the City, a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street and Bank stations.
London Bridge
Located just off Borough High Street, an 8-minute walk from London Bridge station.
Bond Street
Located on Wigmore Street, just off Harley Street, a 7-minute walk from Bond Street station.
Clapham
Located on Clapham High Street, only a 3-minute walk from Clapham Common station.
Old Street
Located off Old Street, a 3-minute walk from Old Street underground station.
Stratford
Located within The Conductor building, a 6-minute walk from Stratford station, or 3 minutes from the Westfield shopping centre.
Swiss Cottage
Only a 3-minute walk from Swiss Cottage station.
Victoria
Situated on Lower Belgrave Street, a 5-minute walk from Victoria rail and underground stations.
Online GP
Speak to a GP by video or phone, wherever you are — no app needed. Ideal for follow-ups and straightforward concerns.