Insulin Resistance Test in London: Which Blood Tests Matter?

By the clinical team at The Wellness4 min readReviewed by the clinical team at The Wellness,

A clinician reviews a blood-test report with a patient in a bright London consulting room

An insulin resistance blood test is not one magic number. HbA1c and fasting glucose look for raised blood sugar and diabetes risk; fasting insulin can add context before blood sugar rises, but is not a standalone diagnosis. A doctor should choose and interpret the tests in light of your history. At The Wellness in Marylebone, our Advanced Health blood panel includes fasting glucose and insulin for £650, with a GP results call and written plan.

Written and reviewed by the clinical team at The Wellness. Last updated 28 September 2026.

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin helps glucose move from the blood into cells. With insulin resistance, the cells respond less well, so the body may make more insulin to compensate. Blood sugar can remain normal for a time. Insulin resistance can be associated with excess weight around the waist, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high triglycerides and a family history of type 2 diabetes. It is a risk signal, not a diagnosis you can make from one blood result. Diabetes UK explains insulin resistance.

Which blood tests matter?

  • HbA1c estimates average blood sugar over roughly two to three months. It does not need fasting and is widely used to assess diabetes risk and diagnose type 2 diabetes in appropriate adults. An HbA1c of 42 to 47 mmol/mol signals higher risk; 48 mmol/mol or above is in the diabetes range, though an asymptomatic result needs confirmation.
  • Fasting plasma glucose measures blood sugar after at least eight hours without food. It may be preferred if HbA1c is unreliable or symptoms have developed quickly. A fasting result of 7.0 mmol/L or above is in the diabetes range and needs clinical assessment.
  • Fasting insulin shows how much insulin your body is producing at that moment. Read with glucose, it can help a clinician discuss metabolic risk, but there is no universal fasting-insulin cut-off that diagnoses insulin resistance. It does not replace HbA1c or glucose testing.
  • Lipids, blood pressure and waist measurement add the cardiovascular context. A glucose result alone does not tell the whole story.

For diagnostic thresholds and when to repeat an abnormal result, see Diabetes UK and NICE CKS.

Can my HbA1c be normal if I have insulin resistance?

Yes. Early on, extra insulin may keep glucose in range. A normal HbA1c does not rule out every metabolic problem. Equally, a high fasting insulin on its own does not prove that you have insulin resistance. Your clinician should weigh the full picture, including symptoms, family history, medicines and other results. HbA1c may be misleading in pregnancy, some anaemias and conditions affecting red blood cells; glucose-based testing may be needed instead.

Who should consider testing?

Consider a review if you have a strong family history of type 2 diabetes, a previous finding of high blood sugar, PCOS, high blood pressure, raised triglycerides or increasing waist size. Persistent thirst, frequent urination or unexplained weight loss need prompt medical assessment rather than a routine wellness screen. If symptoms come on rapidly, seek urgent medical advice; HbA1c alone can miss a rapid change.

Do I need to fast?

HbA1c alone needs no fast. For fasting glucose and insulin, plan a morning appointment after at least eight hours without food; water is fine. We confirm the exact preparation when you book. Ask your clinician before changing any medicines.

How much does testing cost in London?

Our Core Wellness blood panel is £350 and includes HbA1c, a lipid panel and other core markers. Advanced Health is £650 and adds fasting glucose and insulin, a fuller metabolic and hormone picture, and a 15-minute GP results call. Longevity+ is £1,395 and includes more than 100 biomarkers, including ApoB and Lp(a), for a broader cardiovascular review. Each panel has a written action plan. We can help you choose the right level rather than sell you tests you do not need.

What happens after the results?

A doctor reviews your results alongside your history and explains what they mean. Depending on the picture, the plan may cover food, movement, sleep, weight, repeat testing, or referral to your own GP or a specialist. A result in the diabetes range should be handled as a clinical finding, not a lifestyle score. Read our related guide to ApoB and Lp(a) testing for the cardiovascular side of the picture.

Message us on WhatsApp, email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call +44 20 3951 3429 to discuss which blood panel makes sense for you.

This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have rapidly worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best blood test for insulin resistance?

There is no single diagnostic blood test for insulin resistance. HbA1c and fasting glucose assess blood sugar and diabetes risk. Fasting insulin may add context, but a clinician needs to interpret it with your history and other results.

Can HbA1c be normal with insulin resistance?

Yes. The body may produce more insulin and keep glucose normal for a time. A normal HbA1c does not rule out every metabolic concern; discuss your history and risk factors with a clinician.

Do I need to fast for an insulin resistance blood test?

You do not need to fast for HbA1c alone. Fasting glucose and insulin usually require at least eight hours without food, with water allowed. We confirm the preparation when you book.

How much does an insulin resistance test cost at The Wellness?

Core Wellness, including HbA1c, is £350. Advanced Health, which adds fasting glucose and insulin and a GP results call, is £650. Longevity+ is £1,395 for a broader panel.

Speak to the team about blood testing

Request a time in Marylebone or by video, or read about the service and its prices first.