Diabetes HbA1c In-Store Testing Service
WHAT IS THE DIABETES HBA1C TESTING SERVICE?
The HbA1c test measures average blood glucose levels over the past 8-12 weeks and can identify prediabetes and early type 2 diabetes. Taking action early can reduce the risks of associated medical conditions.
Around 7 million people in the UK are estimated to have prediabetes and over 850,000 people in the UK are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Regular medical check-ups and early intervention are crucial to prevent the development of diabetes and related health complications.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Book an appointment
Book your appointment online or in-store for only £19.99. Find a store that offers the Diabetes Testing Service by visiting our store locator & selecting 'pharmacy services'
Attend an appointment
During the 20-minute appointment, a trained tester will take a fingerpick blood sample & test a small drop of blood using a specialised device to check your HbA1c level
Receive results
Following your diabetes HbA1c Test. The tester will record your results on a results sheet which will also provide you with information on your next steps
Clicking "Book Now" redirects you to the Diabetes Testing Service booking page
TYPES & CAUSES OF DIABETES
There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common and is on the rise in the UK. Diabetes can be a lifelong condition and it’s important to ensure that you know the symptoms, causes and how to manage your condition.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Weeing more than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling very tired
- Losing weight without trying
- Experiencing recurring thrush
- Blurred vision
- Cuts and grazes that heal slowly
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can have similar symptoms. Type 1 can develop quickly over weeks, or even days, whereas many people with type 2 can have it for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general in nature and develop gradually.
Age - Your risk of diabetes increases as you get older. You're more likely to be diagnosed if you are over the age of 40, or 25 for south Asian people.
Being overweight or obese - Having a waist size of 80cm (31.5 inches) or more for women, or 94cm (37 inches) or more for men, can increase the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. A diet that is high in sugar and fat can make it harder to manage your blood sugar levels. Many people have blood sugar levels above the normal range, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. This is sometimes known as pre-diabetes. If your blood sugar level is above the normal range, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes is increased.
Family history - Type 2 diabetes may run in families. You are more likely to develop the condition if a close family member like your parent or a sibling have type 2 diabetes.
Ethnicity - Type 2 diabetes is more likely to develop if you are of Asian, African-Caribbean or black African descent (even if you were born in the UK).*
Previous gestational diabetes history - If you developed diabetes while you were pregnant, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the future. Further information about gestational diabetes is available in the 'other types of diabetes' section.
There is no cure for type 2 diabetes and it can be difficult to learn to live with the condition however, making lifestyle changes, such as making exercise a part of your daily routine and eating a healthy, balanced diet can help manage your blood sugar levels and lowers the level of other health conditions. Not managing type 2 diabetes means that high sugar levels in your blood can seriously damage parts of your body, including your eyes, heart and feet. But with the right treatment, you can live well with type 2 diabetes and reduce your risk of developing complications.
It can be managed with lifestyle changes mainly diet and exercise, most people need medicine which could include tablets or injections including insulin to control their type 2 diabetes which helps keep blood sugar levels as normal as possible to prevent health problems. You may have to take medication for the rest of your life, although the type of medicine or dose may need to change over time. Your GP or diabetes nurse will recommend the medicines most suitable for you.
Your medicine might not make you feel any different, but this does not mean it's not working. It's important to keep taking any prescribed medication you have, as advised by your doctor, to help prevent future health problems.
People with diabetes and high blood pressure are more at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. If your blood pressure is high, it is called hypertension. Hypertension is a serious condition where your heart has to consistently work harder to pump blood around your body. If untreated, the arteries can stiffen and narrow, making it easier for fatty material to clog them up and cause heart and circulatory diseases or heart attack and stroke. More information on hypertension is available on the NHS website.
You can book a free NHS Blood Pressure Check Service,20 which is available across 1000 stores in England. It is possible to book a free blood pressure check via boots.com, click here to find your nearest store that offers the service.
RELATED SERVICES
1 Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria may apply. Charges may apply.
2 Access to prescription-only treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
20 The service is available in over 1000 stores across England only, for those aged 40 years & over who don’t currently have a diagnosis of high blood pressure. You may also be eligible if you’ve been referred by your GP to have a blood pressure check, or if you’re under 40 with a recognised family history of high blood pressure – at the discretion of the pharmacist. Subject to availability.
25 Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria may apply. Charges may apply. The service is available in selected stores across England only, for those aged 18 years & over and meets the suitability criteria. The service does not provide a diagnosis of diabetes
