Diabetes

Blood sugar regulation is a gradual process, and changes can develop over months or years without obvious symptoms. Fasting glucose reflects your blood sugar at a single point in time, while HbA1c captures an average over the previous 2 to 3 months. Measuring both together provides a more complete picture than either one alone.

This test may be relevant for:

• People who want to check their blood sugar regulation
• Those with a family history of type 2 diabetes
• Anyone who has been told they have borderline blood sugar levels
• People who have made dietary changes and want to see the effect on blood sugar markers
• Those who experience symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue

This panel includes two markers:

• Glucose (Fasting): the level of sugar in your blood after an overnight fast. It reflects your blood sugar status at the time of the test.
• HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin): measures the percentage of haemoglobin that has glucose attached to it. Because red blood cells live for about 2 to 3 months, this value reflects your average blood sugar over that period.

A fasting glucose within the reference range generally suggests normal blood sugar at the time of testing. An elevated fasting glucose may indicate impaired fasting glucose, which can be an early sign of changes in blood sugar regulation. HbA1c provides a broader view: values in the prediabetic range may suggest that blood sugar has been running higher than typical over recent months.

The two markers complement each other. It is possible for fasting glucose to appear normal while HbA1c reveals a slightly elevated average, or vice versa. A healthcare provider can help interpret both values together.

This test uses a blood sample collected at a certified sample point (afnamepunt). With over 750 partner locations across the Netherlands, you can choose a location that works for you. A trained phlebotomist performs the blood draw, and results are typically available within a few working days.

This test may be useful when:

• You want to check your blood sugar regulation as part of a health overview
• There is diabetes in your family and you want awareness of your own values
• You have previously had a borderline glucose or HbA1c result
• You want to see how dietary or lifestyle changes may have affected your blood sugar markers

Each marker is shown with your value and the reference range. For fasting glucose, values within the normal range suggest blood sugar was well-regulated at the time of the test. For HbA1c, a value below 42 mmol/mol is generally considered normal, while values between 42 and 47 mmol/mol may suggest a prediabetic range.

These thresholds are general guidelines. Your report includes explanations, and we recommend discussing the results with a healthcare provider for personalised interpretation.

Fasting for 8 to 12 hours before your appointment is required for an accurate fasting glucose measurement. Water is allowed during the fasting period. Morning collection is recommended.

Your results are typically available within a few working days. The report includes your values alongside reference ranges with clear explanations. If either marker falls outside the expected range, this is highlighted. We recommend discussing the results with a healthcare provider, who can assess them in the context of your health history and advise on any follow-up steps.