Diabetes is a growing health problem. Are you at risk?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to make sufficient insulin, or when the body cannot make good use of the insulin it produces. This inhibits the control of blood glucose (sugar) levels and leads to raised blood glucose (hyperglycaemia), which causes damage to various tissues and organs in the body.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own cells that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common form of diabetes, but can usually be prevented with healthy food choices and adequate physical activity. Pre-diabetes (also known as impaired glucose tolerance) is when blood glucose is higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Pre-diabetes is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, but diet and lifestyle changes can prevent the disease progression.
Why consider this test?
- Type 2 diabetes is a common health problem in North America, affecting about 1 in 10 people.
- Many people are unaware that they have diabetes or pre-diabetes.
- Reducing body weight and increasing exercise can prevent pre-diabetes from developing into diabetes, and can also help prevent many health complications of diabetes.
- The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for type 2 diabetes annually in people 45 years and older, or in those younger than 45 years with major risk factors.
- This test measures glycated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac), which is indicative of long-term blood glucose levels.
- This HbA1c test is also useful for diagnosed diabetics to monitor their control of blood glucose, and is typically recommended to be done twice yearly in well controlled patients and four times yearly in poorly controlled individuals.
What increases your risk of diabetes?
Obesity
Family history of diabetes
High blood pressure
Altered lipid levels
Lack of physical activity
Smoking
What’s included in the Diabetes (HbA1c) Test?

Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) forms when hemoglobin within red blood cells joins with glucose. HbA1c levels reflect the average blood glucose level during the preceding 2-3 months. This differs from a blood glucose test, which measures the concentration of glucose at only the point at which the blood sample was collected.
HbA1c measurements are useful for determining the risk and diagnosis of diabetes.
- Healthy HbA1c levels are less than 5.7% (38.8 mmol/mol)
- 5.7% – 6.4% indicates prediabetes
- > 6.5% support a diabetes diagnosis
- The recommended goal for diabetic adults is to maintain a HbA1c level of < 7.0%
Higher HbA1c levels are also associated with an increased risk of diabetic health complications, such as retinopathy, heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease. Diabetic individuals generally require an HbA1c test every 3-12 months to ensure that their blood sugar is staying within the target range.
How It Works
Step 1. Order your test.
Choose the test that matches your need from our large array of tests. The kit will be delivered to your doorstep. There is no need to leave the comfort of your home.
Step 2. Collect your sample.
Collect your sample using the included instructions. Return your sample using the prepaid, pre-addressed packaging provided.
Step 3. Access your results online
Your sample will be tested as soon as it arrives at our lab. Access your results securely online using your via Therizon Connect.

Use TherizonConnect to view your Test Results Quickly and Easily
The results are only available through therizon, a free, secure patient portal that you can access on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You can also share your results with your doctor, family, or friends.
Diabetes (HbA1c) FAQ
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about this test. Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.
How does the Diabetes (HbA1c) Test work?
Self-collect your sample following the detailed instructions included in the kit. Place your sample in the specimen bag provided and mail it back to the lab using the prepaid envelope inside the kit.
Our lab uses a verified and approved clinical chemistry assay to accurately measure your glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Your results are available through our online portal as soon as testing is complete.
Will I receive any guidance with my results?
All result reports will include brief and easy to understand interpretations of each of the biomarkers tested. Background information is also available, but we recommend that you share your test results with your healthcare provider to obtain the most benefit from your test results.
Are there medical professionals involved in the process?
All of our tests are developed with advice and input from medical professionals.
Do any factors influence HbA1c analyses?
Various different factors may lead to misleading HbA1c results, including diseases that affect haemoglobin (e.g. anemia), specific supplements (e.g. vitamins C and E), pregnancy, significant blood loss, high cholesterol, kidney and liver disease.
What are the benefits of HbA1c testing over other blood glucose testing methods?
- No prolonged period of dietary restriction is required for HbA1c testing. An oral glucose tolerance test requires a strict diet three days prior to testing.
- Rapid sample collection for HbA1c testing, requiring only a sample of blood. An oral glucose tolerance test requires a two hour absorption time after ingestion of a measured amount of glucose.
- HbA1c testing sample can be taken at any time of day or night.
- Better sample stability, as the protein analyzed in HbA1c testing is capable of remaining stable for over a week if kept refrigerated.
What are the different types of diabetes?
- Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition where the body attacks the beta cells in the pancreas that make insulin. The result is that the body does not produce any insulin (or very little) and cannot control blood glucose levels. About 10% of diagnosed diabetics have type 1 diabetes, it usually occurs in childhood, and it is controlled with insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, but can usually be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices. In type 2 diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the cells in the body don’t recognize the insulin that is present. This results in high blood glucose. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adulthood and can often be effectively managed through weight loss, diet, and exercise.
- Pre-diabetes is also known as impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). It occurs when blood glucose is higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Pre-diabetes can often lead to type 2 diabetes, but diet and lifestyle changes can prevent the disease progression.
- Gestational diabetes occurs when a pregnant woman has high levels of blood glucose, due to not enough insulin. A pregnant woman’s insulin needs are two to three times that of normal. Gestational diabetes is only temporary and usually disappears after pregnancy, but is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
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