- Blood sugar concerns: increased thirst, frequent urination or fluctuating energy.
- Appetite and weight changes: unexplained hunger, weight gain or weight loss.
- Fatigue: persistent tiredness or low stamina possibly linked with glucose regulation.
- Vision changes: intermittent blurred vision associated with suspected glycaemic shifts.
- Skin and wound concerns: slow-healing cuts, skin irritation or recurring infections.
- Nerve-related sensations: tingling or numbness in hands or feet.
- Cardiometabolic factors: elevated blood pressure, altered cholesterol or central weight gain.
- Hormonal context: metabolic changes associated with PCOS.
- Family history: relatives with metabolic or glycaemic issues.
- Monitoring metabolic patterns: clients implementing diet or lifestyle changes affecting glucose balance.
Overview
The Fasting Insulin and HbA1c test uses a bloodspot sample to measure fasting insulin and the percentage of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Fasting insulin reflects how the body responds to circulating glucose in a fasting state, while HbA1c provides an average of glucose exposure over several weeks. Together, these markers offer a broader perspective on metabolic and glycaemic patterns than single-timepoint glucose tests alone.
Practitioners may consider this test when clients report changes in energy, appetite, thirst, urination, weight or other concerns linked with glucose handling. Fasting insulin can offer context on how effectively cells respond to circulating glucose, while HbA1c reflects longer-range glycaemic trends. When viewed together, these markers help highlight patterns that may not be visible through symptoms alone.
Results are typically interpreted alongside diet history, lifestyle patterns, body composition, activity levels and cardiovascular markers. This combined view may support practitioners in exploring how nutritional choices, movement habits and other factors relate to overall metabolic balance for clients.
Practical
Test type:
Cardiovascular: diabetes, heart disease, fasting insulin, obesity
Sample required:
Bloodspot
Average processing time:
21 days