Blood tests · 5 min read

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

  • · HbA1caverage glucose over 90 days; no fasting; best single screening test
  • · Fasting glucose8–12 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 HbA1cDHA-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.

Preventive care · Dubai

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.

Nearest service areas

Flagship clinic: Unit G09, Churchill Executive Towers, Business Bay · Home visits 24/7.

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