Most health experts agree that in recent years more and more people have developed the condition known as diabetes, putting their health at some risk. Since 1996 the number of people diagnosed with diabetes has increased from 1.4 million to 2.6 million. By 2025 it is estimated that over four million people will have diabetes.

It is also estimated that there are up to half a million more people in the UK who have diabetes but have not been diagnosed. This is because symptoms may develop over a period of time and the connection with diabetes may not be made.

Diabetes Service

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. We get glucose from starchy foods in our diet such as pasta, bread and cakes. The hormone insulin is responsible for maintaining the glucose level in the blood. Insulin moves glucose from the blood and stores it in the body’s cells where it can be drawn upon for energy. If an individual has diabetes this is because either the body is not making enough insulin or the use of insulin within the body is poor. For more information about diabetes, go to the ‘Living with diabetes’ page in the Health Advice section.

What is the Diabetes Risk Awareness Service?

Our Diabetes Risk Awareness Service can help you to understand whether you are potentially at risk of developing diabetes. You can therefore take action to prevent this happening.

The Diabetes Risk Awareness Service is conducted by trained members of the pharmacy team in our private consultation area and includes:

• A discussion about your lifestyle, such as your diet and how much exercise you take
• Taking a measure of your blood glucose level over the last 2-3 months which gives an indication of the likely risks of developing Type 2 diabetes
• Advice about ways in which you can reduce the risks of developing Type 2 diabetes

The consultation should last around 30 minutes.

Are you eligible for this service?

If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the following questions, you are NOT eligible for this service.

• Do you have diabetes (Type 1 or 2)?
• Could you be pregnant?
• Do you have a blood disorder such as haemophilia or polycythaemia?
• Do you have any other blood related disorders such as high levels of Haemoglobin F, S or C or Rheumatoid factor?

Arranging an appointment

Speak to a member of the pharmacy team for more information about the Diabetes Risk Awareness Service.