Blood sugar test

Measure your HbA1c level with this test.

This test measures the concentration of HbA1c in your blood, giving you an indication of your average blood sugar level over the past three months.

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Blood sugar test (HbA1c)
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Blood sugar test (HbA1c)

The HbA1c blood sugar test provides insight into your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. It is ideal for detecting diabetes or prediabetes and monitoring your blood sugar levels.

Testing method

Finger-prick test
We test for:
HbA1c

€45,00

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  • Getest in ISO-gecertificeerd laboratorium
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  • Resultaat gevalideerd door biochemicus
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About the test

All about the HbA1c test

The HbA1c test is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar level over the past three months. Glucose (sugar in your blood) binds to haemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells. The more glucose in your blood, the higher the percentage of “glycated” haemoglobin (HbA1c). Since red blood cells live for approximately three months, this test provides a reliable indication of your average blood sugar level during that period. A high HbA1c level may indicate an increased risk of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Why take a blood sugar test?

Would you like to know how your body handles blood sugar, or do you suspect that your blood sugar levels may be too high? An HbA1c home test is a simple and effective way to gain insight into your health. The test can be used for:

  • Detecting prediabetes or diabetes
  • Monitoring people with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes
  • Preventive health checks, even if you have no symptoms

More than just HbA1c: broader insight into your health

In addition to the HbA1c test, you can also choose a Preventive Health Test. This measures several important blood values, which can be useful if you want a broader picture of your overall health.

The difference between HbA1c and a regular blood sugar measurement

A blood glucose meter measures your blood sugar at a specific moment, for example before or after eating. These levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the day.

The HbA1c test, on the other hand, provides an average value over three months. This makes it a valuable tool for long-term monitoring and the early detection of health risks, even if you do not (yet) feel unwell.

Symptoms

Common signs of diabetes

Diabetes often develops gradually. At first, you may notice little or nothing, but symptoms can develop over time. Do you recognise one or more of the symptoms below? Then it may be advisable to have your blood sugar checked.

  • Unexplained changes in weight (weight loss or weight gain)
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Intense thirst or a dry mouth
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Nausea or a feeling of discomfort in the stomach
  • Strong cravings for sweets
  • Blurred or reduced vision
  • Frequent urination, including at night

Are you experiencing several of these symptoms? Consider taking an HbA1c home test.

About diabetes

Understanding diabetes

Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a condition in which your body has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels properly. This happens because too little insulin is produced or because your body no longer responds properly to insulin.

If diabetes is not properly managed, it can lead to serious long-term complications, such as:

  • Kidney damage
  • Nerve problems
  • Vision problems (including blindness)
  • Cardiovascular disease

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes

With this form, the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need to use insulin every day to keep their blood sugar levels under control.

Type 2 diabetes

With this form, the body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to it properly. Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually and may go unnoticed at first. Treatment usually involves a healthier lifestyle (such as eating a healthier diet, exercising more and losing weight) and sometimes medication. In some cases, insulin is also required.

What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes means that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It is an important warning sign: without intervention, it can develop into diabetes. An HbA1c level between 6.0% and 6.5% often indicates prediabetes. During this stage, you have not only a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but also of other problems such as cardiovascular disease. Both adults and children can develop prediabetes, particularly with little physical activity or unhealthy eating habits. Damage to the blood vessels, heart and kidneys can already begin before diabetes is diagnosed.

The good news is that prediabetes can be reversed. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, exercising more and adjusting your diet, you can improve your blood sugar levels and significantly reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

Who is this test for?

Why your HbA1c level is important

Your HbA1c level reflects your average blood sugar level over the past three months. This is an important indicator of your health, particularly when it comes to your blood vessels, nerves and organs. A healthy HbA1c level helps prevent damage to the body and plays a crucial role in the proper treatment and management of diabetes. Detecting an elevated HbA1c level early can help prevent serious complications.

What are the risks of a high HbA1c?

In people without diabetes, sugar in the blood is used as fuel by the muscles, brain and other organs. With diabetes, too much sugar remains in the bloodstream because insulin does not work properly. Over time, excess sugar can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs. This increases the risk of problems such as heart disease, kidney failure and impaired vision. It is therefore important to keep your HbA1c within a healthy range.

Is this test suitable for you?

This test may be suitable if you:

  • Have symptoms associated with diabetes or prediabetes (see the list under Symptoms)
  • Have a family history of diabetes
  • Have previously been diagnosed with diabetes and want to check how well your blood sugar is controlled
  • Want to gain more insight into your health, even without any specific symptoms

With a simple home test, you can assess your risk and take action in good time.

Biomarker summary

What does HbA1c mean?

HbA1c stands for haemoglobin A1c, also known as glycated haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout your body and gives your blood its red colour. When there is sugar (glucose) in your blood, some of it attaches to the haemoglobin. The more sugar is present, the more haemoglobin becomes glycated. This form is called HbA1c.

What does the HbA1c level tell you about your blood sugar?

Because red blood cells live for approximately 120 days, the HbA1c test provides a good indication of your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months.

Simply put:

  • The higher your blood sugar has been during this period, the higher your HbA1c level will be.

The HbA1c home test is therefore a useful tool for detecting and monitoring diabetes or prediabetes, even if you do not experience any symptoms at the time of testing.

Test results

What does your HbA1c level say about diabetes?

Your HbA1c level indicates how high your average blood sugar level has been over the past 2 to 3 months. This is what the result means:

  • Below 5.7%
    This indicates a normal blood sugar level. There is no indication of diabetes, or your diabetes is well controlled.
  • Between 5.7% and 6.5%
    This falls within the prediabetes range, also known as impaired glucose regulation. You have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but the good news is that this situation can often be reversed. Discuss possible lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise and sleep, with your doctor.
  • 6.5% or higher
    This may indicate diabetes. It is important to contact your doctor for further investigation and possible diagnosis.

What exactly does your test result mean?

The HbA1c level measured shows how your body has handled blood sugar over the past few months. Values outside the reference range may indicate prediabetes or diabetes. Test results provide a snapshot in time and can be influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, medication and the time of sample collection. Abnormal values do not automatically mean that you have a medical condition. Always consult your doctor if your value falls outside the normal range, so that appropriate action can be taken in good time.

When will I receive my results?

You will usually receive your results within one day after your sample has been received by the laboratory, via your personal online dashboard. We will keep you informed by email.

Test kit contents

What about my privacy?

We keep your testing as anonymous as possible. How do we do that?

Your order

Your order details are retained for as long as necessary and are removed from the webshop after 2 months.

Your test kit

Your order is delivered in discreet, unbranded packaging. The test kit itself also contains no visible information about what is being tested.

The laboratory

For an anonymous analysis, you can choose to share only your date of birth and gender with the laboratory. No other personal information is shared.

Your result

You can download your laboratory result for one month. After this period, we automatically delete the report.

Your account

You can delete your account at any time. If your account is inactive for 2 years, it will be automatically deleted.

This is how we test anonymously.

Group 3

How does it work?

Your result in four simple steps
Order a test
Step 1

Order a test

After placing your order, you will receive the test kit in discreet packaging. Use the information provided in the box to activate your test kit.
You will receive your order in discreet packaging.
Collect and send your sample
Step 2

Collect and send your sample

You can easily collect the samples yourself whenever it suits you and return them free of charge in the enclosed return envelope.
With our free return envelope.
Sample analysis
Step 3

Sample analysis

Once your sample has arrived at the laboratory, you will usually receive your test result within one working day.
Results usually within 1–2 working days.
Receive your results
Step 4

Receive your results

You will receive an email when your test result is ready, and you can view your result online in a secure environment.
View and download your results in your secure online account.

Frequently Asked Questions Everything about Blood sugar test (HbA1c)

How many people have diabetes in the Netherlands?

According to the Diabetes Fund, approximately 1.2 million people have diabetes in the Netherlands.
That is about 1 in 14 people.

  • Most people (around 90%) have type 2 diabetes.
  • A smaller proportion (around 10%) have type 1 diabetes.

Is the number of people with diabetes increasing?

Yes. The number of people with diabetes is growing. This is mainly due to:

  • An ageing population (there are more older people),
  • And an unhealthy lifestyle (such as lack of exercise and unhealthy eating).

By 2040, it is expected that nearly 1.5 million people in the Netherlands will have diabetes.

If your HbA1c value is between 5.7% and 6.5%, this may indicate prediabetes. This means your blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. At this stage, your body has more difficulty processing sugar properly, which is also referred to as impaired glucose tolerance.

Without lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier or exercising more, prediabetes increases your risk of eventually developing type 2 diabetes. Even at this stage, mild damage to organs such as the heart, blood vessels, or kidneys can already occur.

The good news: prediabetes can often still be reversed. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, such as regular physical activity, quitting smoking, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight, you can improve your blood sugar levels and significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

At this time, we do not have agreements with health insurers. We do our best to keep the costs of our tests as low as possible, so you can gain insight into your health in an accessible way.


A glucose measurement shows the sugar level in your blood at that specific moment. This value can fluctuate depending on what you have recently eaten, drunk, or done.

An HbA1c test, on the other hand, provides insight into your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. It measures how much glucose has attached to your red blood cells.

  • If you want to know how stable your blood sugar levels are in the long term, the HbA1c test is the right choice.
  • This test is also very important for detecting or monitoring (pre)diabetes.

There are two main types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 diabetes: an autoimmune disease in which the body produces little or no insulin. The only effective treatment is administering insulin. There is currently no cure available, although extensive research is being conducted.
  • Type 2 diabetes: often develops after the age of 40, especially in people who are overweight or have a hereditary predisposition. In this type of diabetes, the body responds less effectively to insulin. Fortunately, type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or even reversed through lifestyle changes.

Recommended methods to lower your blood sugar (especially with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes):

Exercise daily

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity per day, such as walking, cycling, or gardening.

Eat a healthy and balanced diet

Choose foods rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods.

Avoid sugary drinks

Prefer water, tea, or coffee without sugar instead of soft drinks, fruit juice, or energy drinks.

Drink enough water

Maintaining good hydration helps your body regulate blood sugar levels.

Reduce stress

Long-term stress can increase blood sugar levels. Try to find relaxation through activities such as breathing exercises, walking, or hobbies.

Get enough sleep

7–9 hours of good-quality sleep per night helps your body remain more sensitive to insulin.

Limit alcohol consumption

Alcohol can disrupt your blood sugar balance. Drink in moderation.

How often you should check your blood sugar (HbA1c) depends on your health situation:

With diabetes or prediabetes:

  • Regular HbA1c monitoring is important to see how well your blood sugar is being controlled.
  • In a stable situation, testing every 6 to 12 months is often sufficient.
  • If your blood sugar is not yet well controlled, it is recommended to measure your HbA1c every 3 months.

Without diabetes symptoms:

  • If you feel healthy and do not have an increased risk, regular testing is not necessary.

Please note:
The HbA1c test provides an overview of your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. This is different from a direct glucose measurement with a blood glucose meter, which only provides a snapshot at a specific moment.

People with diabetes should also be regularly monitored for other risk factors, such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, due to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Monitoring your blood sugar level is important if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination, or blurred vision.

By measuring your blood sugar, you can detect (pre)diabetes at an early stage. Especially with type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, exercising more, and losing weight can help improve your values and prevent complications.

In short: knowing is the first step towards a healthier life.

The HbA1c self-test can detect abnormal blood sugar levels that may be consistent with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, the test alone is not sufficient to definitively diagnose type 1 diabetes.

If you have an elevated HbA1c value, always make an appointment with your doctor. If type 1 diabetes is suspected, your doctor will usually refer you to a specialist for further testing and an official diagnosis.

Would you like to know more about the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? Read our article: “Characteristics of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.”

The HbA1c home test is a simple and reliable way to check for (pre)diabetes. If a doctor suspects that you have diabetes, they will often request exactly the same test as the one you can have performed through Labtest.nl.

Although the test results are just as reliable, it is important to always contact your GP if the values are abnormal for proper interpretation and any necessary follow-up testing. The test is therefore a valuable tool, but not a replacement for medical advice.

You can trust the results of this test. All blood samples are analysed in ISO 15189-accredited laboratories, the same laboratories that also perform tests for hospitals, doctors, and government institutions.

  • The sensitivity and accuracy of this test are close to 100%:
  • Sensitivity means that the test correctly identifies people who have a condition.
  • Accuracy means that the test correctly excludes people who do not have the condition.

This means you receive reliable results, comparable to those you would receive through a doctor or hospital.

Yes, this home test can also be used during pregnancy and is easy to perform yourself at home.

Please note: although the HbA1c test provides a good indication of your average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months, it is important during pregnancy to detect specific forms of diabetes, such as gestational diabetes, in a timely manner. Therefore, always consult your midwife or doctor if you have any doubts or symptoms.

It is advisable to consider a diabetes or blood sugar test if you:

  • are older than 18 years and
  • experience symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision,
  • or are at risk of developing diabetes, for example due to being overweight, hereditary factors, or an unhealthy lifestyle.

If you already have diabetes, a home test can help monitor whether your blood sugar levels are under control and whether your treatment is working properly. How often you should test depends on your doctor’s advice.

This test is suitable for adults aged 18 and older who:

  • experience symptoms that may indicate diabetes or prediabetes (such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue),
  • want to know whether they are at risk of impaired blood sugar levels,
  • or have previously been diagnosed with diabetes and want to monitor how well their blood sugar is controlled.

A home test can help you take action early or monitor your treatment, but it does not replace medical advice. If your values are abnormal, it is advisable to contact your GP.