Diabetes

Blood sugar imbalances can develop gradually, often without obvious symptoms. Fasting glucose gives you a snapshot of your current blood sugar level, while HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. Together, these two markers offer both an immediate and a longer-term view of glucose metabolism.

This test may be relevant for:

• Men with a family history of diabetes or metabolic conditions
• Those who want to check how their body handles blood sugar
• Men who have made dietary changes and want to track the impact on glucose levels
• Anyone experiencing symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue

• Glucose Fasting (mmol/l): the amount of sugar in your blood after a period of fasting; reflects your body's current glucose regulation
• HbA1c (mmol/mol): glycated hemoglobin; indicates your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months

Fasting glucose and HbA1c complement each other. A normal fasting glucose with a slightly elevated HbA1c could suggest that blood sugar may spike at times outside of fasting periods. Conversely, an elevated fasting glucose with a normal HbA1c might indicate a recent change rather than a long-term pattern. By looking at both, you can get a more complete picture of how your body manages blood sugar over time.

A blood sample is drawn at a certified sample point (afnamepunt). There are over 750 locations throughout the Netherlands. The procedure takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

This test may be useful if you have risk factors for blood sugar imbalances, such as a family history or a sedentary lifestyle, if you want to see how dietary changes are affecting your glucose levels, or if you experience symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, or energy crashes after meals.

Your results will show whether fasting glucose and HbA1c fall within the reference ranges. Values above the expected range may be associated with impaired glucose regulation or could be linked to prediabetic patterns. However, a single test provides a data point, not a final answer. A healthcare provider can help you interpret these values, consider contributing factors, and determine whether follow-up testing or lifestyle adjustments may be worthwhile.

Fasting is required for this test (8 to 12 hours). Water is allowed during the fasting period.

Your results are typically available within a few business days. You will receive a clear report with each marker and its reference range. Consider reviewing your results with a healthcare provider who can place them in context and discuss any appropriate next steps.