Diabetes blood test · Plymouth
Catch blood sugar problems early.
HbA1c shows your average blood sugar over about three months. Add Insulin to spot insulin resistance years earlier. No GP referral needed.
Why test
Type 2 diabetes is often silent.
Many people with type 2 diabetes do not know they have it. By the time thirst, passing more urine or blurred vision appear, blood vessels and nerves may already be affected.
Insulin resistance usually comes first, often years before HbA1c turns abnormal. Finding it early gives lifestyle change the best chance of turning things around.
Good to know
- HbA1c alone needs no fasting
- Insulin and C-peptide need a 10-hour fast
- Results the next working day
- No GP referral needed
- Prices are on our price list
Choose your test
Choose your test.
HbA1c is the standard check. The Diabetes Status panel adds Insulin and C-peptide for a fuller picture.
Your average blood sugar over about three months. No fasting needed.
Fasting Insulin, for checking insulin resistance. Fasting required.
Insulin, C-peptide and HbA1c. A Fasting Glucose can be added if you want an insulin resistance score. Just ask when you book.
Full Cholesterol panel with HbA1c, a useful pair for heart risk.
What is measured
What the markers tell us.
| Marker | What it measures | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c | Average blood sugar over about 3 months | Below 42 mmol/mol is normal. 42 to 47 suggests pre-diabetes. 48 or above suggests diabetes. |
| Insulin (fasting) | How much insulin your pancreas releases to keep blood sugar stable | A high fasting Insulin with normal blood sugar is often the earliest sign of a developing problem. |
| C-peptide | Made by the pancreas alongside your own insulin | Shows how much insulin your pancreas still makes. Not affected by injected insulin. |
Right here in Plymouth
Local care, close to home.
Your blood test is at Tor Clinical Rooms, 3 Darklake View, Plymouth PL6 7TL. Free parking on site, and easy to reach from the A38.
Who it is for
Worth testing if you have…
- Aged 45 or over
- Carrying extra weight, especially around the tummy
- Family history of type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Very thirsty or passing more urine
- Tired, with sugar cravings
- Darkened skin patches on the neck or armpits
- Already diagnosed and want a check
Before your test
HbA1c on its own does not need fasting.
If your test includes Insulin or C-peptide, please do not eat for 10 hours before. Water is fine.
Your results
What your results mean.
An HbA1c in the pre-diabetes range is a warning sign, not a diagnosis of diabetes. It is often reversible. Losing 5 to 10% of your weight and moving more can bring it back to normal.
If your results suggest diabetes, we explain what it means, what treatment involves, and the next steps with your GP or a specialist.
Blood tests give information. They do not diagnose a condition on their own. We explain your results in the context of your symptoms, medicines and history.
How it works
Four simple steps.
Book online, by phone on 01752 938102, or by email at Hello@TamarHealth.com.
Book
Pick your test and a time. £25 secures your slot, and the balance is paid in clinic.
Fill in your new patient form
Once you have booked, we send you a form. Tell us which test you want, and share your medical history so we can make sure it is right for you.
Come to the clinic
If your test includes Insulin or C-peptide, fast for 10 hours first. Water is fine. The sample takes a few minutes.
Get your results
Most results come back the next working day, by email, with a clinician summary in plain English. Anything urgent, we phone you the same day.
Questions people ask
The things people most often ask before booking.
Before your test
Do I need to fast?
Not for HbA1c on its own. For Insulin, C-peptide or the Diabetes Status panel, please do not eat for 10 hours before. Water is fine.
What is insulin resistance?
It is when your body stops responding normally to insulin, so your pancreas has to make more to keep blood sugar normal. It usually comes before pre-diabetes and diabetes.
Your results
What does pre-diabetes mean?
Your body is struggling to control blood sugar, but you have not reached the diabetes threshold. It is largely reversible with weight loss and exercise.
What is the difference between Insulin and C-peptide?
Both reflect how much insulin your pancreas makes. C-peptide is not affected by injected insulin, so it is more reliable if you already use insulin.
How often should I test?
With normal results, every 3 years is usual. With pre-diabetes, yearly. With diabetes, your clinician will advise, often every 3 to 6 months.
What our patients say
Other ways we can help
Book your blood test
No GP referral needed. Most results the next working day.