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Annual Blood Test

H

Hleebirds

Newbie
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HI GUYS
WOULD LOVE YOUR HELP
I'M DUE TO TAKE A BLOOD TEST, HOWEVER, AS I'M ON INSULIN DO I NEED TO FAST BEFORE I GO TO THE HOSPITAL TO HAVE A BLOOD TEST? ALSO CAN I HAVE BREAKFAST THEN GO TO THE HOSPITAL?

APPRECIATE YOUR ADVICE
:?
 
For normal blood tests for HBA1c - no. The exception is cholestrol where I'm always told to fast and I if you are being tested for something else (?) and your GP has told you to fast.
 
Hi. You need to find out whether the hospital wants a fasting or non-fasting test. You need to call them or ask your GP for advice. If it's just an HBA1C test then it will be non-fasting. If it's a complete annual diabetes check-up it will be a fasting test. If it's for another medical condition you need to check. If the test is fasting it doesn't make much difference whether you are on insulin or not as long as you take account of your normal overnight sugar trends and follow DVLA driving guidelines etc. The fasting period should be somewhere between 10 - 12 hours. Don't let it go longer particularly if on insulin. If the test is a fasting one then you can only have water during the fasting period up until the blood is taken. If it's non-fasting then you have behave normally. My comments are for guidance only based on my own experience and must not override anything you are told by NHS staff; do seek guidance.
 
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