Bindoon Pharmacy is involved in a new trial program to screen asymptomatic, previously undiagnosed individuals for type 2 diabetes. In Australia, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is in excess of 1.1 million people, and growing. It is estimated that for every five diagnosed cases there are approximately two
undiagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes. This means that many people are unaware that they have type 2 diabetes or that they are at significant risk of
developing diabetes. In this so called pre- diabetic state, where people have either impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG), damage to blood vessels and nerves may already be underway. Earlier diagnosis of type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes is the KEY to early management of risk factors and
prevention or delay of common adverse outcomes such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, and amputation.
The provision of the pharmacy-based diabetes screening service aims to identify individuals at elevated risk of type 2 diabetes. If a person is identified as having a high-risk for diabetes, they will be referred to their GP for further assessment of undiagnosed diabetes or glycaemia/impaired glucose tolerance.
The current trial program is being managed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, in partnership with the University of Sydney and Deakin University, with support and funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.
To be eligible for the free diabetes screening, patients need to meet the following criteria:
• Aged between 35-74 years
• Have not been diagnosed with
diabetes
• Have not been screened for diabetes
by their GP in the last 12 months
As this is a trial program, there are a limited number of spaces for people to participate, however, Bindoon Pharmacy can make other arrangements if necessary for those people who may not be eligible or who may miss out. For more information contact Craig at Bindoon Pharmacy.
