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.