Diabetes screening service
Diabetes screening service.
Our diabetes screenings are available all year round from all our Pharmacy Locale locations at a cost of £7.50.
Being aware if you are diabetic can mean some small changes to your diet and lifestyle, but ultimately, it can mean prevention of many other conditions stemming from diabetes, including heart attacks and strokes.
There's no need to make an appointment for a diabetes screening, just pop in to see our expert pharmacy teams at any of your Pharmacy stores. The service is available between 9am to 4pm, Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and costs £7.50.
What happens at the test?
Step one
One of our trained pharmacy staff will help you fill out a form which covers subjects, such as weight, age and diet.
Step two
Once the form is complete the pharmacist will identify any risks and determine if you are at a low, increased, moderate or high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. If you are at a moderate or high risk, your blood sugar level will be checked.
Step three
The test involves a small needle prick on a fingertip to draw a small amount of blood.
Step four
The results will appear within seconds of the test and show a rating.
Step five
The pharmacist will discuss the test results with you and suggest next steps. You will also be given a leaflet to take away which includes lots of advice and healthy meal suggestions.
The test will only take between 5 and 10 minutes and will take place in a private pharmacy consultation room by our trained pharmacy staff.
Eligibility criteria:
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You should not already have a diagnosis of diabetes.
- You will be asked to complete a consultation form and risk assessment.
Islanders with diabetes who need blood testing supplies are now able to collect them, free of charge, from all island pharmacies.
This service replaces the previous scheme, which was subsidised by the government but still requires people with diabetes to pay towards their supplies and only collect them from Overdale Hospital.
Under this new scheme, which is funded by the Health Insurance Fund, island pharmacies will also be able to offer advice and an annual one-to-one review to help patients better understand the condition and manage their medicines and glucose monitoring.
Am I at risk of developing Diabetes?
If you or a member of your family believe they could be diabetic, now is the ideal opportunity to get checked.
You could be considered in the 'high-risk' category if:
- You are aged 45 years or older
- Are medically diagnosed as being overweight
- Have a history of diabetes in your family
- However, not every single person who is diabetic necessarily falls into the above categories. Other potential signs of diabetes include:
- Feeling thirsty
- More frequent trips to the loo
- Feeling tired and lethargic
- Losing weight for no reason
Need more information, or have any questions? Contact our pharmacy teams.
