Diabetes Screening

Selected pharmacies offer a diabetes screening service to help you identify and stay in control of your diabetes. Staying in control of your diabetes can be difficult but it’s worth sticking at it. Regular monitoring, good blood glucose control and a healthy diet / lifestyle can really help reduce the effect that diabetes has on your life. You’re less likely to get a hypo and there’s a lower risk of getting diabetes-related problems later in life.

Tips and advice
1. Look after your heart and circulation by eating healthily and exercising regularly
2. Do not smoke
3. Keep a record of your blood glucose tests – and act on them
4. Avoid being overweight
5. Eat more starchy and high fibre foods eg wholemeal bread
6. Cut down on fatty and sugary foods eg red meat and biscuits
7. Get an eye check-up every year
8. Check your feet regularly for cuts and bruises
9. Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked at least one a year – you can find your nearest pharmacy that can do this by clicking here.

How do blood tests help?
Although diabetes is a progressive condition, long periods with high blood glucose are linked to various health problems in later life such as poor vision, heart disease and kidney problems. Keeping your blood glucose under control heals to reduce the risk of getting these complications.

What are finger prick tests?
These are tests that you can do yourself using a hand-held blood glucose testing meter. They give a short term picture of what is happening and allow you to act quickly if you get a ‘hypo’.

What are HbA1C tests?
These are tests done by your doctor or nurse and are a long term measure of your diabetes control.

What are ketone tests?
These alert you to a dangerous condition called diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA). Ketones are highly toxic and mean your body has switched to an emergency energy source because it hasn’t enough insulin to use the glucose in your body. If you find your blood glucose is over 15mmol/L, or you feel ill, test for ketones in your urine with a kit from your pharmacy. If positive, contact your doctor or nurse for immediate advice.

Where can I be tested?
Our online Pharmacy finder will help you find the most convenient store location by showing those stores offering the service near your postcode be that home or work.

pharmacy search

Enter your postcode to find your nearest All About Health Pharmacy and see the services they offer.

For pharmacies in the Channel Islands, please click here.