Clinical Director · GP
Dr Haydar Bolat
UK-registered GP and Clinical Director at MHW. Provides diabetes and pre-diabetes screening, interprets HbA1c and related results, and agrees prevention or management plans with patients.
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Doctor-led · HbA1c blood test · Same-week
Diabetes screening & HbA1c testing.
Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes often develop quietly, with no obvious symptoms for years. A simple blood test (HbA1c) plus a risk review can tell you where you stand — and pre-diabetes, caught early, can often be reversed. We offer doctor-led screening with your results clearly explained and a practical plan.
Educational information — not a substitute for clinical assessment
This page explains diabetes screening in general terms. A diagnosis depends on blood results interpreted alongside your symptoms and risk factors. Screening tells you your current status; it is not a substitute for ongoing care if you are diagnosed.
About diabetes & pre-diabetes
Diabetes means blood glucose (sugar) is too high. In type 2 diabetes — the most common form — this develops gradually as the body becomes less responsive to insulin. Pre-diabetes is a warning stage where glucose is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range. It is important because it can often be reversed with the right changes, lowering your future risk.
Symptoms to watch for
Early type 2 diabetes frequently has no symptoms, which is why screening matters. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Passing urine more often, especially at night
- Tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Cuts or infections that heal slowly
- Recurrent thrush
Who should be screened
- Adults who are overweight, especially with weight around the middle
- People with a family history of type 2 diabetes
- People of South Asian, African, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern background, who have higher risk
- Those with high blood pressure or raised cholesterol
- Women with a history of gestational diabetes or PCOS
- Anyone with symptoms above
Pre-diabetes is an opportunity
Finding raised glucose before it becomes diabetes is genuinely valuable — with diet, activity and weight changes, many people bring their levels back to normal and avoid progressing.
The tests we use
The main screening test is HbA1c, a blood test that reflects your average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months. It does not need fasting. Depending on your situation we may also check a fasting glucose, and review related factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and kidney function for a fuller picture of your metabolic health.
Understanding your results
We explain your HbA1c in plain terms — normal, pre-diabetes range, or diabetes range — alongside your other results and risk factors. A single result sometimes needs confirming with a repeat. We then agree what happens next, whether that is reassurance and rescreening, a prevention plan, or starting management if diabetes is confirmed.
If you are at risk
- Practical, realistic changes to diet and activity
- Support with weight where relevant
- Reviewing blood pressure and cholesterol, which often travel together
- A plan for when to recheck your HbA1c
When to see us
Book if you have risk factors, symptoms, or simply want to know your status. Seek urgent help for very high thirst with drowsiness, vomiting, abdominal pain or rapid breathing, which need immediate assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
The consultation and HbA1c test are priced on our Fees page, with options to add related blood tests.
Do I need to fast?
Not for HbA1c — it can be done at any time. If we add a fasting glucose or cholesterol, we will tell you whether to fast beforehand.
How quickly do I get results?
Turnaround depends on the test, and we explain your results with a doctor rather than just sending a number. We will confirm timing at your appointment.
Can pre-diabetes really be reversed?
Often, yes. Many people return to normal glucose with changes to diet, activity and weight — which is exactly why early screening is worthwhile.
What if I’m diagnosed with diabetes?
We explain it clearly and start a management plan, and can coordinate ongoing care. With your consent we can share information with your NHS GP.
How often should I be screened?
It depends on your risk and previous results. If you are at higher risk or in the pre-diabetes range, we will suggest when to recheck.
Your care at MHW
Who oversees diabetes screening at MHW
Care at Tower Bridge Hospital London is delivered by a small clinical team, with Dr Haydar Bolat as Clinical Director. The specific clinicians involved in your care depend on the plan agreed with you at consultation.
Languages spoken across the team: English, Turkish, Bulgarian, Bengali, Hindi, Albanian, Azerbaijani, German, Romanian. We can also arrange professional telephone interpreters in most other languages at no extra cost. More on languages and interpreters →
Editorial review
This page was reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director at Tower Bridge Hospital London. Content reflects NICE guidance on type 2 diabetes prevention and diagnosis (including HbA1c-based diagnosis) and current UK clinical practice. It is updated when guidance changes. Educational information only — not a substitute for clinical assessment.
Know where you stand.
Book diabetes screening. A simple blood test and a clear plan, explained by a doctor.