Dr Katie Stephens

“If you are concerned that you might have diabetes, this is a great test to do. It is a more accurate way of looking at overall trends and averages compared to a snapshot blood glucose level, which can sometimes be falsely reassuring. It can tell you whether your average sugar levels are normal, pre-diabetic (ie raised and at risk of developing diabetes) or diabetic.

It is worth knowing that there are certain instances where this test may not be appropriate. In particular, other conditions that affect your red blood cell or haemoglobin levels may interfere with the interpretation. Examples of when this wouldn’t be appropriate include: age <18 years old, pregnancy or within 2 months of being pregnant, if symptoms have lasted <2 months, haemoglobinopathies (eg thalassaemia), anaemia, or having had a recent blood transfusion. If you aren’t sure if this test is appropriate for you, I’d recommend speaking to your doctor.”