A Simple Fingerprick Test Offers Hope for Millions
The United Kingdom faces a growing crisis with nearly 14,000 diabetes-related deaths recorded in 2019. The situation is poised to worsen as alarming data from London Medical Laboratory suggests that over a million Britons may be silently battling undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe complications such as blindness, amputations, and even premature death. Finding problems at an early stage is essential for making progress.
Dr. Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, underscores the power of a simple diagnostic blood test, either at a GP’s office or as a convenient at-home fingerprick test, in unveiling this hidden health crisis. Moreover, this test can also identify individuals in the pre-diabetic stage, offering a chance for them to reverse the condition through lifestyle changes and diet. It’s time for everyone to take control and give diabetes the attention it deserves.
Tip: Please fill out this form to determine whether or not you or a friend are eligible for a CGM and, Also learn about Glucose Monitoring Devices
The Insidious Nature of Diabetes
Diabetes, a global health concern and one of the top ten killers worldwide according to the WHO, primarily manifests as type 2 diabetes in the UK, accounting for 90% of cases. This condition arises from issues with the glucose-regulating hormone, insulin, and is often linked to factors like excess weight, sedentary lifestyles, and family history. High glucose levels in the blood characterize diabetes, potentially leading to symptoms such as fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination, even at night. Moreover, it significantly elevates the risk of severe complications affecting the eyes, heart, kidneys, and nerves.
More About Inpatient Glucose Monitoring Technologies
A Silent Killer Unveiled
One of the significant challenges with diabetes is its inconspicuous nature, making it difficult to detect during the pre-diabetic or early stages. This underscores the importance of timely diagnosis. The repercussions of undiagnosed diabetes are severe and life-changing.
1. Amputations: Recent research reveals that five out of every 1,000 people with diabetes will require lower limb amputations. Among the million undiagnosed cases in the UK, up to 5,000 individuals may eventually face advanced conditions necessitating amputations.
Read Guide about Wegovy Dosage Guide: The Best Way For Weight Loss
2. Vision Loss: Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, can lead to blindness if left untreated. The undiagnosed population of a million Britons could potentially see up to 300,000 cases of vision loss.
3. Kidney Failure: Diabetic nephropathy, a kidney disease, affects 42.3% of those with type 1 diabetes and 36.8% with type 2. In the UK’s undiagnosed group of one million, there may be up to 368,000 cases of diabetic nephropathy. Early detection and management are critical to mitigate its impact.
Also Read About A UNH Research Initiative
The Road to Diagnosis
The signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes aren’t always obvious, and it is often discovered through routine blood tests. The HbA1c test, measuring glycated hemoglobin, offers a more comprehensive understanding of glucose levels over time compared to measuring blood glucose alone.
Taking Control of Your Health
Individuals can schedule a diabetes test with their local GP or opt for a convenient and private at-home fingerprick test. This affordable home test, priced at under £30, the equivalent of three bottles of wine, checks HbA1c levels, allowing for the early detection of diabetes, even before symptoms surface. Regular HbA1c checks are crucial for those already diagnosed to monitor their progress.
London Medical Laboratory offers the “Diabetes – Diagnosis and Monitoring test,” available through mail order or at numerous drop-in clinics nationwide, including over 95 selected pharmacies and health stores.
Don’t let diabetes remain undetected. Take control of your health and join the fight against this silent killer.
