Blood sugar testing in Dubai.
HbA1c, fasting glucose or OGTT — with a GP-led diabetes and pre-diabetes reversal plan the same day.
What we test, and when
- · HbA1c — average glucose over 90 days; no fasting; best single screening test
- · Fasting glucose — 8–12 hours fasted; a useful add-on when HbA1c is borderline
- · OGTT (75g) — 2-hour timed test in-clinic; used for gestational diabetes and borderline HbA1c
- · Home HbA1c — DHA-licensed nurse visits anywhere in Dubai; results in 24 hours
Why test
UAE has one of the world's highest diabetes prevalence rates — around 1 in 5 adults. Half of type 2 diabetics are undiagnosed. HbA1c is a simple, no-fasting test that catches diabetes and pre-diabetes years before symptoms.
What happens if you're pre-diabetic
We start a structured 12-week programme — dietary review, activity plan, weight target, and (when indicated) metformin or a GLP-1 medication like semaglutide. HbA1c retested at 12 weeks. 60–70% of pre-diabetics reverse to normal on this pathway.
FAQs
Which blood sugar test should I have?+
HbA1c is the best screening test — it reflects average glucose over the last 90 days and doesn't require fasting. Fasting glucose is a useful add-on. OGTT (75g oral glucose tolerance test) is reserved for gestational diabetes screening or when HbA1c is borderline (5.7–6.4%).
How much does an HbA1c cost in Dubai?+
HbA1c AED 180 at the Business Bay clinic. Fasting glucose AED 90. OGTT AED 380 (takes 2 hours in-clinic). Home nurse visit adds AED 250. Direct insurance billing with Daman, AXA, Bupa, Cigna, Allianz and MetLife.
Do I need to fast?+
HbA1c: no fasting. Fasting glucose: 8–12 hours (water only). OGTT: 8–12 hours fasting, then drink the 75g glucose solution and stay in-clinic for 2 hours of serial draws. We schedule OGTTs for early morning.
What are the HbA1c cut-offs?+
Normal: below 5.7%. Pre-diabetes: 5.7–6.4%. Diabetes: 6.5% or above (confirmed on repeat). We treat pre-diabetes seriously — 30–50% of pre-diabetics progress to type 2 within 5 years, but lifestyle and (when indicated) metformin or GLP-1 medication can reverse the trajectory.
How often should I test?+
No risk factors and normal HbA1c: every 3 years from age 40. Overweight, family history, gestational diabetes history, PCOS or South Asian / Arab ethnicity: annually from age 30. Diagnosed diabetes: every 3 months while adjusting treatment, every 6 months once stable.
What are the symptoms of high blood sugar?+
Increased thirst, frequent urination (especially at night), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow wound healing, recurrent infections, tingling in feet. Type 2 diabetes is often silent — we recommend proactive HbA1c even without symptoms in high-risk patients.
Can I get tested at home in Dubai?+
Yes. A DHA-licensed nurse comes to your home, apartment or hotel anywhere in Dubai for HbA1c or fasting glucose. OGTTs need to be done in-clinic because of the timed serial draws.
Healthcare should feel simple.
Send an enquiry and our team will come back to you — no waiting rooms, no run-around.
Catch issues early in Dubai — doctor-led screening, bloods & longevity baseline.
Same-day appointments across Dubai and neighbouring communities. Home or clinic visits. WhatsApp us — the message is pre-filled with your area so our team can route you to the closest available slot.
Flagship clinic: Unit G09, Churchill Executive Towers, Business Bay · Home visits 24/7.
New · Free · Powered by AI + NICE / NHS / Mayo Clinic guidance
Not sure what's wrong? Try our AI Symptom Checker.
Describe how you feel in plain English. In seconds you'll get evidence-based possible causes, the exact blood tests or checks that help rule things in or out, and a clear next step with an Aafiyah doctor — in clinic or at home, anywhere in Dubai.
- ✓ Free & anonymous
- ✓ Evidence-based (NICE, NHS, Mayo)
- ✓ Not a diagnosis — a smart first step
Start where you're comfortable.
Read first, talk to a doctor, or book in — whichever stage you're at, there's a no-pressure way in.
Free Primary Care Guide
What proper primary care should look like — a short, honest PDF written by our British-trained team. Read it before you decide on a clinic.
Free 15-Minute Doctor Call
Not sure if we're the right fit? Book a free discovery call with one of our GPs. No commitment, no sales — just a clinician answering your questions.
20% Off Your First GP Consultation
First-time patients save 20% on their first GP consultation with one of our British-trained doctors. GP consultations only — blood tests, IV drips, physio, home-visit fees and other services are excluded. Mention this offer when you enquire.