Posted September 6, 2011
SIMPLE test during a routine eye examination at high street opticians could help identify millions of people with previously undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, a study has claimed.
The University of Durham research found that screening for the disease outside of a doctor’s surgery would help save the sight of thousands of people every year.
Nearly a quarter of a million Scots have diabetes, with the vast majority suffering from Type 2, but most only found out they had the disease after suffering from complications.
The study carried out simple “finger prick” tests on 1000 people who came in for an eye test to determine their blood glucose level. Almost 32% were then referred to their GP.
Lead author Dr Jenny Howse, from Durham University’s School of Medicine and Health, said: “Opticians could provide routine care and the screening can be done outside usual medical settings.”