Test done at home
Diabetes – what is it?
Diabetes is one of our most common public health diseases and is caused by high blood sugar (glucose) levels in the blood. The condition is called hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and is caused by reduced insulin levels and/or insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that is created in the pancreas and its main function is to regulate the blood sugar level in the blood. When the balance of the blood sugar doesn’t work, troublesome symptoms often occur. With GetTested’s diabetes and blood sugar test, you get a picture of your blood sugar levels that can indicate if you are at risk for type-2 diabetes.
Diabetes has become a major public health disease. Diabetes is diagnosed when there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. Glucose is the body’s most important fuel and provides the body with the necessary energy for it to be able to function. Insulin is secreted from the pancreas whose main function is to keep blood glucose levels even (within the range of 3.3 to 7.0 mmol/L).
Diabetes is caused by either decreased secretion of insulin from the pancreas, a decreased effect of the insulin (insulin resistance), or both. A certain amount of glucose always circulates in your bloodstream. Insulin acts as a key that “opens the door” for the glucose to get into the cells. We get glucose through food and drinks so that it can enter the cells to be converted into the necessary energy that the body needs, while keeping blood glucose levels within a specific range (3,3 to 7.0 mmol/L). Without insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells and remains in the bloodstream. The result is that blood sugar levels rise, especially after a meal, and when this happens continuously over a long period of time, diabetes develops. At this stage, the body will tell you that something is wrong through various symptoms.
There are two main types of diabetes, type-1 diabetes and type-2 diabetes. The effects of untreated conditions are similar for both; high blood sugar with subsequent diseases such as cardiovascular disease. However, the underlying cause differ.
Type-1 diabetes
People with type-1 diabetes do not have their own insulin production. This type is caused by autoimmune processes attacking the pancreas so that it cannot produce enough of the hormone insulin. The reaction can be triggered by infections, vaccinations and allergies/intolerances – especially dairy protein and gluten. Type-1 diabetes is often called juvenile diabetes as it often debuts at a young age. Type-1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections based on daily regular blood sugar measurements and adjusted insulin doses. Insulin doses are affected by what you eat and how physically active you are.
Type-2 diabetes
Type-2 diabetes means that the cells in the body have reduced ability to produce insulin and/or reduced sensitivity to insulin (insulin resistance), which results in the body requiring more and more insulin. When the insulin is not enough, the blood sugar rises and if the blood sugar becomes too high, sugar molecules can get stuck on proteins in the body, which means that the sugar is glycated. Negative effects of glycation are vascular damage, kidney damage, etc. Your blood sugar levels are affected by high sugar and carbohydrate intake as well as the amount of physical activity. By continuously measuring your blood sugar, you can prevent the risk of developing insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes.
What’s tested for?
GetTested’s Diabetes Test gives you a picture of your blood sugar levels over a longer period of time and an indication of whether you are at risk for type-2 diabetes. Blood sugar is counted as high if it is higher than 6.1 mmol / litre after 12 hours of fasting. Fasting blood sugar is affected, for example, by stress (increases the value) and by physical activity (lowers the value). Therefore, a marker is also used that shows measures of how the blood sugar has been over time. This marker is called HbA1c and is a blood protein that shows how sugar-coated the hemoglobin (Hb) in the red blood cells are. This should show that a maximum of 6.5 percent of the blood sugar has been glycated (sugar coated).
Diabetes symptoms
High blood sugar can lead to type-2 diabetes, but by continuously measuring your blood sugar, you can reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes. The symptoms of diabetes are many and often quite diffuse. When the blood sugar level becomes excessively high, the body responds by getting rid of glucose via the urine. When this happens, various symptoms occur in the body:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Abnormal fatigue
- Strong feelings of hunger
- Weight loss
- Poor wound healing
- Dry and itchy skin
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Sexual dysfunction
- Blurred vision
When talking about diabetes, it is usually related to high blood sugar, but having too low blood sugar is of course not good either. Too low blood sugar can affect type-1 diabetics when they take too much insulin. The first symptoms of low blood sugar are fatigue, irritation and tremor and these symptoms can affect even a fully healthy person. For a person with type-1 diabetes, it can go even further and result in slurred speech and unconsciousness. In the worst case, a drop in blood sugar for type-1 diabetics can lead to death. However, the body has many spare mechanisms to avoid this and raise blood sugar such as raising the levels of the stress hormone adrenaline.
Diabetes treatment
The early stages of diabetes can be managed through a healthy diet and physical activity to keep blood sugar levels steady. Type-1 diabetes must be treated with insulin injections and requires medical attention. Type-2 diabetes can be treated with medication in the form of tablets that increase insulin sensitivity or the release of insulin. Worse cases of type-2 diabets might also require insulin treatment.
Before you start, you need to register your test. Your test kit contains a sticker with your unique test ID. Register your test ID at 
Wash your hands in hot water for about a minute. This will increase blood circulation in your fingers. Dry your hands. Doing a blood test without stimulating blood circulation might prove difficult, so please do not skip this step.
Disinfect your “test finger” with the supplied disinfectant paper. Wait a few seconds until the finger is completely dry.
Rotate the protective cover on the blood lancet to remove it. Use the extra lancet if you need to do another finger prick.
Place your hand on a flat surface. Put the lancet diagonally toward the test finger and press down the button. Make sure the lancet is pressed against the finger the whole time.
We recommend that you stand up at this stage to let the blood in your arm flow downward. Help the blood drops come out by massaging the finger toward the needle stick.
Transfer the blood drops into the test tube until the blood reaches the marked line. If it doesn’t reach the marked line, there won’t be enough blood for the lab to test. Please contact us if you have any trouble.
Place the sticker with your unique test ID on the test tube. Place the test tube inside the transport tube and seal.
Put the tubes in the enclosed envelope and send it to the lab the same day, preferably a Monday or Tuesday.
Karen –
I’ve had concerns about my health for a while now. Always feeling tired, going to the bathroom more often, and just not feeling like myself. I came across this diabetes test and thought it could help me figure things out. The test was really easy to use, and the instructions were clear. Sent it off and got my results in no time. 🙂
James Wilson –
Family history of diabetes, so I decided to use this test. Simple to use, results came quickly. Thankfully, my results were normal.
Zoe Burr –
Took this test because of constant thirst. Got my results – they indicated pre-diabetes. Now, I know I need to take action.
Margaret O’Sullivan –
I used this test because I’ve been having some symptoms that worried me, like excessive thirst and tiredness. The process of taking the test was easier than I thought. I got my results promptly and they showed that I’m at risk of developing diabetes. While this is a bit worrying, it’s also a good thing because now I know what’s going on and I can take steps to prevent the progression of the disease. It’s given me the push I needed.
Marlene –
In today’s fast-paced life, our health often takes a backseat. This was the case for me, with long working hours and inconsistent meals. However, a growing concern was the increasing number of diabetic individuals within my family circle. I knew it was essential to stay informed about my sugar levels but visiting a clinic seemed like an overwhelming task. Enter GetTested’s Diabetes Test. 🙂 What appealed to me the most was its promise of simplicity, and it delivered on every count. The kit was meticulously organized, with step-by-step instructions that even a novice could follow. Collecting a sample was straightforward, and the prepaid return envelope added to the convenience.
When the results came in, I was taken aback by the level of detail they provided. It wasn’t just a number on a paper; it was a comprehensive insight into my health status. The data helped me make informed choices about my diet and exercise regime. It was truly empowering. The convenience of this home-testing kit doesn’t dilute its accuracy. My results were consistent with the annual health checkup I did a month prior. It’s evident that GetTested invests in ensuring quality and reliability. For anyone looking for an efficient way to keep track of their health without the hassle of clinic visits, this test is a godsend. 😀
Jenny Nielsen –
This test was so easy, results were fast. Luckily, no diabetes for me!
Keiko Tanaka –
I took this test out of curiosity. I wanted to know if my diet and lifestyle were impacting my health. It was simple to use and the results came back quickly. Turns out, my blood sugar levels are slightly high, which puts me at risk of developing diabetes. It’s definitely a motivation to start making healthier choices.
Sam Dobrick –
Being predisposed to diabetes due to genetics, I’ve always been cautious. Yet, amidst a busy schedule, regular health checks became challenging. That’s when I discovered GetTested’s Diabetes Test. The efficiency of the entire process left me impressed. The kit, with its clear instructions, made the testing process seamless. Shipping it back was just as effortless. The detailed results, breaking down the various components of my glucose levels, allowed me to understand where I stood. This test is more than a mere diagnostic tool; it’s a health companion. Every individual looking to stay ahead of their health game should consider it. It’s quick, user-friendly, and highly informative.
Martha –
Navigating health concerns is a journey. In my case, it started when I began experiencing frequent fatigue, thirst, and increased urination. Alarm bells rang, hinting at diabetes. A close friend recommended the GetTested Diabetes Test. Skeptical at first, I decided to give it a shot. The kit arrived promptly and was packaged thoughtfully. The clarity in the instruction manual made the sampling process a breeze, alleviating my initial apprehensions. I appreciated the transparency and simplicity offered at every step. A few days later, the results were in. Detailed and precise, they provided a holistic view of my glucose levels. This wasn’t just a diagnostic tool; it was a guide that highlighted potential risk areas and ways to address them. The real beauty of this kit is how it marries convenience with precision. It erases the boundaries of traditional testing, making health checks accessible to all. Since taking the test, I’ve made significant changes to my lifestyle, diet, and exercise habits. GetTested’s Diabetes Test serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health checks. In a world where our schedules are bursting at the seams, innovations like these are not just handy but essential. It’s health care reimagined for the modern individual.
Roberto –
Accurate results, easy process. Diabetes testing redefined. Highly recommend. 🙂
Lily –
I recently felt the need to keep an eye on my sugar levels, given some concerning symptoms. With clinic visits being cumbersome, GetTested’s Diabetes Test was a refreshing alternative. From receiving the kit to obtaining the results, every step was user-centric. Taking the sample was easy, and the insights were detailed. Knowing my glucose levels has given me the confidence to make necessary lifestyle adjustments. For anyone seeking a hassle-free health check, this test is an outstanding choice. Thorough, reliable, and convenient.