Monitoring your A1C levels is vital, particularly for those managing diabetes or at risk of its onset. Home A1C test kits are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and privacy, offering individuals the flexibility to track their health independently.
In my quest for the top at-home A1C test kits, I evaluated factors like accuracy, user-friendliness, result turnaround time, and customer assistance. I thoroughly examined several kits, assessing the quality of their service and the dependability of their results.
Among the kits I tested, LetsGetChecked stood out as the top choice for at-home A1C testing. It combines accuracy with simplicity, making it user-friendly even for those new to at-home testing. The prompt delivery of results and the professional customer support that LetsGetChecked provides added to its appeal, offering an all-rounded excellent service for keeping an eye on your A1C levels.
Test Your Blood Sugar with LetsGetChecked!
Short on time? Here are the best DNA tests for blood sugar
- LetsGetChecked – Comprehensive blood sugar screening with an in-depth report, free physician support, and subscriptions.
- Everlywell – Individual kit for specific HbA1c testing with a monthly subscription option, plus free live group webinar.
- myLAB Box – Comprehensive blood sugar tests with cholesterol and lipids assessment, and diabetes risk screening.
- HealthLabs – Male and female glucose screening kits.
What We Look For in the Best DNA Tests for Blood Sugar
Of course, you need a test that can actually screen your blood sugar levels, but there are many other important factors, too. Here’s what I looked for in each kit.
- Blood sugar levels: I chose kits that offer comprehensive blood sugar screening, assessing HbA1c, glucose, and insulin levels.
- Combined health screening: Alongside blood sugar testing, I found tests that include screening for heart health, organ function, diabetes, metabolic panels, and more.
- Reliability and accuracy: You need results you can actually rely on, so I only picked tests that are truly accurate.
- Value for money: It’s important that the test you pay for is actually worth your money, and I found kits that are very budget-friendly.
- Added extras: With some of my top choices, you get freebies like physician consultations.
Best At Home A1C Test Kits Reviewed
1. LetsGetChecked – Free Support & Ongoing Blood Sugar Testing
- Choice of two blood sugar tests, including diabetes risk
- Results only take 2-5 days
- Free consultation with a nurse to talk you through your report
- Subscription options available for regular testing and lower cost
LetsGetChecked’s blood sugar tests are specifically designed to assess your risk of diabetes and your overall heart health. Both kits look at your levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), so you can see how high or low your blood sugar actually is and whether you might be at risk of developing diabetes.
We were impressed with the quality of the report, since it shows you your levels both as a number and as a percentage. These are displayed in a color-coded chart, so we could see whether our researcher’s levels were concerning and how they compare to ‘normal’ ranges.
Your results are available from a handy app on your smart device, which is always favorable over a lengthy PDF report. And each biomarker comes with an easy-to-read description that explains what it actually means for you.
Choosing the slightly more expensive kit allows you to combine blood sugar testing with heart health screening. This kit looks at hemoglobin A1c, as well as cholesterol, HDL and, LDL.
Both tests require a finger-prick blood sample, which is really easy to do. Our kit came with all the equipment needed and detailed instructions.
Remember to read all the instructions fully before you mail back your sample. You need to activate your kit online first otherwise the lab can’t match your sample to your account.
It usually takes 2-5 days for LetsGetChecked results. Our researcher’s report was ready in 3 days. We also accessed the free healthcare advisor service. They were able to walk our researcher through his report in more detail.
You can sign up for a subscription and get kits delivered to you every few months, which is great for ongoing testing. It also allowed us to save 30% in price.
Test Your Blood Sugar with LetsGetChecked!
2. Everlywell – Dedicated HbA1c Kit & Group Support
- Dedicated HbA1c kit to assess average glucose levels over 90 days
- Results in two days
- Free live group webinar to explore your results
- Subscription option for monthly blood sugar testing
Everlywell has a dedicated HbA1c kit that measures the levels of glucose in your blood over the past three months. We liked that it tests over the last 90 days because this gives you a more accurate representation of your average levels for long-term changes.
Sample collection was really easy, with a simple blood spot that takes no more than a couple of minutes. Reports times are really quick too – we only had to wait a couple of days.
My colleague’s report included his exact levels of HbA1c on a scale, so he could clearly see whether he sits within or outside of optimal ranges.
Although our researcher’s report didn’t include much extra insight, it did provide links for lots of further resources and reading where he could learn more about HbA1c and what his levels mean.
We also found out that we could access a live group webinar, which we’ve never seen before with any of Everlywell’s other kits. This was a free service with a healthcare professional, where we were able to ask questions about our results and even get some personalized tips on diet and nutrition.
Like my top choice, Everlywell also has a subscription service so you can keep track of your blood sugar levels. If you sign up to become a member, you can get the kit delivered every month for a set fee of $24.99.
You also get 20% off other tests, although we noticed not all of Everlywell’s kits are on the list.
Screen Your Blood Sugar with Everlywell!
3. MyLAB Box – Combine Blood Sugar with Cholesterol & Lipids
- Option to buy an individual blood sugar kit or bundle with heart health
- Analyzes cholesterol (triglycerides, HDL, and LDL) alongside HbA1c
- Results in 2-5 days
- Accepts with HSA/FSA cards
We really liked that MyLAB Box has a choice of kits that include HbA1c testing. You can buy an HbA1c and diabetes risk kit, or get HbA1c screening as part of a bundle option with heart health.
There’s also a cholesterol and lipids test, which analyzes triglycerides alongside cholesterol – both HDL and LDL – which we liked for a more rounded view of your cardiovascular health and blood levels.
I liked the weight loss kit, too. This includes HbA1c screening with vitamin levels, thyroid function, cortisol, and C-reactive protein.
No matter which kit you choose, you have to give a finger-prick blood sample. It’s really easy to do, but make sure you pay attention to the instructions. The HbA1c kit requires no preparation, but you have to fast for 9-12 hours before taking the cholesterol test.
It’s free shipping both ways which means no extra costs involved. Results take a few days, usually between 2-5. Most of the time, we were waiting around 4 days.
We received an email notification when the report was ready, which was accessible from the online dashboard as a downloadable PDF.
The report is quite basic. It shows you your average levels, but you don’t get much extra information on what it means for your health. We found some information on the website about interpreting the different levels and what are normal ranges.
We were able to pay with HSA/FSA cards for our kits, which is good for saving some money on the purchase price.
Get Extra Health Insights with myLAB Box!
4. HealthLabs – Glucose Screening with Male & Female Kits
- HbA1c screening available with comprehensive bundle kits
- Individual glucose and HbA1c tests
- Same-day in-lab testing
- Results in 1-2 days
With HealthLabs, you have the option to buy individual HbA1c or glucose kits, or you can get a more expensive and comprehensive kit that analyzes your overall health.
We like the male and female panels which screen your blood glucose levels alongside vitamin deficiencies, hormone levels, thyroid function, lipids, and C-reactive protein levels. Both of the gender panels screen for around 23 different biomarkers for a complete view of your health.
The individual glucose test is a good choice if you want to actually assess your risk of diabetes or monitor your levels. While the HbA1c individual kit gives you an overview of your blood sugar levels over an 8-12 week time period.
Reports don’t take long at all – at most we were waiting two days. You can also take your test on the same day you buy it, but not at home. You’ll need to visit one of their testing centers. Nurses were available to take our colleague’s sample.
Our researcher’s report was available as a PDF download from her online account. It included her results, reference intervals, and units measured. To be honest, the report was a bit disappointing, but it’s fine for a basic overview. We had to refer to the website to better understand what the levels mean and whether there was anything concerning.
Assess Your Blood Sugar with HealthLabs!
How Accurate Are Blood Sugar DNA Tests?
To ensure blood sugar DNA tests yield highly accurate results, following the pre-test instructions carefully is crucial. The kits evaluated boast a minimum accuracy rate of 95%. However, it’s important to recognize that no test can promise complete infallibility.
Factors like diet and exercise can affect blood sugar levels. For more reliable outcomes, fasting is usually required for a certain period before conducting these tests. Adhering strictly to these fasting guidelines is essential for achieving precise and reliable results from your test.
At Home A1C Test Kits: Important Things to Note
Although many of the tests look very budget-friendly, sometimes the price you see isn’t the final price you pay. Shipping fees, processing costs, and other surprises can all add up and of course, add to the cost of your kit. So I checked to see what you’re really paying for.
No test on this list makes you pay for shipping your kit or processing your sample. All of the tests that offer home tests also include return fees as part of their kit costs.
Both LetsGetChecked and Everlywell offer free physician consultations with your results. LetsGetChecked’s is a one-on-one service, while Everlywell’s is a live group webinar, so be aware of that before you go ahead with your purchase.
MyLAB Box does actually offer free consultations too, but I found out this is only with STD kits, so you don’t get this service with blood sugar tests.
My top two choices also have subscription options, but remember this means a regular, ongoing payment. This can be every one, three. or six months depending on the option you choose.
What Will the Results From a Blood Sugar DNA Test Tell Me?
You can learn a lot about your overall health as well as your blood sugar levels, particularly if you choose a bundle package. Here’s some of the information you can expect from your test:
- Your glucose, HbA1c, and insulin levels and how they compare to averages
- Your glucose response after a certain time period
- Your risk of diabetes
- Cholesterol, HDL, and LDL levels as well as overall cardiovascular health
- Metabolic panel profile, including levels of potassium, sodium, and others
What is HbA1C and How is it Detected?
HbA1C refers to the attachment of glucose molecules to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This process occurs over time as glucose circulates in the bloodstream. By measuring the percentage of glycated hemoglobin, HbA1C reflects the average blood sugar levels during the lifespan of red blood cells. Detection of HbA1C is done through a simple blood test, usually performed by a healthcare professional.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that most individuals, including those without diabetes, maintain an HbA1C level below 5.7%. A result between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, while an HbA1C level of 6.5% or higher typically suggests diabetes. It’s important to note that target ranges may vary based on individual circumstances, so consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for personalized guidance.
Increased HbA1C Levels and Symptoms of Increased Blood Sugar
Elevated HbA1C levels, particularly in the diabetic range, indicate inadequate blood sugar control over an extended period. Persistently high blood sugar levels can lead to symptoms such as:
- increased thirst
- frequent urination
- unexplained weight loss
- fatigue
- blurred vision
- slow wound healing
- recurring infections.
Several factors can lead to higher HbA1c levels, which are often associated with the onset of diabetes. These factors encompass a family history of diabetes, a lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, obesity or significant weight gain, elevated blood pressure, experiencing gestational diabetes during pregnancy, and specific medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Being aware of these risk factors empowers individuals to take proactive measures in preventing or detecting diabetes early.
HbA1c, short for Hemoglobin A1c, is a crucial marker in diabetes management. It reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. High HbA1c levels indicate poorer blood sugar control and an increased risk of diabetes-related complications. Monitoring HbA1c levels is a vital part of diabetes care, as it helps individuals and healthcare providers gauge the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments to manage the condition.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if any of the following situations arise:
- Experiencing persistent symptoms of increased blood sugar levels, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss.
- Having a family history of diabetes or other risk factors.
- Receiving an HbA1C results in the prediabetic or diabetic range.
- Planning for pregnancy and wanting to ensure optimal blood sugar control.
- Seeking guidance on diabetes management or lifestyle modifications to prevent or control diabetes.
Best At Home A1C Test Kits: Comparison
| Tests Included | Physician Consultations | Time To Results | Starting Price | |
| LetsGetChecked | HbA1c, diabetes, and heart health | ✔ | 2-5 days | $89.00 |
| Everlywell | HbA1c, diabetes, and heart health | ✔ | 2 days | $49.00 |
| MyLAB Box | HbA1c, diabetes, thyroid function, vitamin levels, and heart health | ✖ | 1-5 days | $74.00 |
| HealthLabs | HbA1c, glucose, vitamin deficiencies, hormone levels, thyroid function, lipids, and C-reactive protein levels | ✖ | 1-3 days | $65.00 |
More Than Just A Blood Sugar Test
An at-home blood sugar test is an easy way to assess your HbA1c and glucose levels, but most kits (especially the ones we’ve found) also included lots of other interesting health insights, too.
From your risk of diabetes organ function, to vitamin deficiencies and metabolic panel levels, you can learn all sorts from a blood sugar test.
The best all-rounder is LetsGetChecked. We were impressed with the high-quality report, quick results, and free follow-up support.
If you’re interested in testing your overall blood health or assessing your blood type, check out our review of the 10 best at-home blood tests.
FAQs
How often should I do a blood sugar test?
If you suspect you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, taking your blood sugar regularly is a good way of monitoring your levels and identifying any concerns. For prediabetes, it’s recommended that you test your blood sugar at least annually, but more is always useful.
LetsGetChecked actually offers subscription options so you can get blood sugar kits delivered to your door every 3, 6, or 12 months to keep up with regular testing.
Do I have to fast before taking a blood sugar test?
Yes. You usually cannot eat or drink for 8-12 hours before taking your test, but some kits require longer. Always read the instructions on your kit box first. Otherwise, you might get an inaccurate result.
What do the blood sugar level readings mean?
In your test report, you’ll usually receive an explanation to help you interpret the different levels. Any level less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is considered normal. But levels between 140 and 199 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L) can indicate prediabetes.
Can a blood sugar test diagnose diabetes?
A blood sugar test can certainly indicate whether you might have, or be at risk of developing, prediabetes and diabetes, but most don’t diagnose the condition. It’s always worth taking your results to your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and, of course, proper treatment.
How much does a blood sugar test cost?
Blood sugar tests are actually very cheap, starting as low as $25. You can also buy blood sugar testing as part of a more comprehensive kit that includes screening for other health issues such as organ function, vitamin levels, and heart health. LetsGetChecked offers the best value for money with blood sugar and diabetes screening for less than $50.
