How can I get a HbA1c test done if the Med centre won't do one?

[24yearsandcounting]

HbA1c test.

I am 72, and have T2 diabetes. For quite a few years my reading hovered from 48 to 52; then I got the diabetic lecture, some pills and a BS monitor to use 4 times a day. the next HbA1c result was 108 mainly because I had been told to lose three stone, so I started eating more fruit to try and reduce my weight. Big mistake!! I had misunderstood what they were telling me about eating. So I cut the fruit down and after 3 more months my result was 47 and I had lost some weight.( In all, I have shed almost three stone.) But I have not had a HbA1c test since October last year, because of the covid 19 restrictions. So I asked the med centre if they were doing tests, and was given a sharp reply that they were NOT. I have to go to the med centre every 8 weeks or so for a Warfarin (INR) test which they seem happy to do.(I have Atrial Fibrillation) But how can I find out about my Diabetes level? Can I go private? What does that cost?

[Koalajane]

That is strange. My husband and I had our diabetic reviews in April. We had blood tests and weight taken at the surgery and review over the phone

[PurpleNails]

Before going down the private route check again with your doctor. Was is your doctor or support staff that refused to test you?

Maybe there was a misunderstanding, eg they could not complete a test at the current appointment? If you are diagnosed type 2 you should have a HbA1c every 3 months at first, every 6 months once stable. Especially if you are still on medication.

This nhs link shows what tests you should be having. Some Service will be postponed but blood testing / telephone consults are entire possible.

nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-di...

[bigleg]

York Test yorktest.com/products/diabe... will do the HbA1c. They have a discount on that finishes today but still pricy when the NHS should be providing it. You might like to join the low carb group on Health Unlocked. Low Carb, real food is such a wonderful way to eat and control blood sugar. Many follow that lifestyle and come off most all meds. My own husband was T2D - but has enjoyed stable blood sugars and weight for some years now. healthunlocked.com/lchf-diet - he is now 76. Hope that helps.