Diabetes Screening
What Is It?
Diabetes is a condition characterised by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. It is caused by a lack or insufficiency of insulin, a hormone which regulates the way glucose is used in your body.
In Ireland there are estimated to be about 200,000 people living with diabetes, approximately 1 in 3 of whom are unaware they have the condition.
How Does The Screening Work?
Firstly, our pharmacist will run through the screening procedure with you and enquire after any of the classic symptoms of diabetes. If you wish to proceed, they will get your written consent. This is required as we need to give you a finger prick to get the blood.
The last step is to measure the blood for its glucose level. Diabetics usually have higher than ideal blood glucose levels.
Why Is It Important?
Left untreated, diabetes can cause long-term damage to your eyesight, your kidneys, your hands and feet as well as increasing your risk of heart disease.
When should you consider getting tested?
If two or more of the following risk factors apply to you:
- You are over 40 years of age.
- You are overweight for your height.
- You have a parent or a sibling with Diabetes.
- You have High Blood Pressure or Cholesterol.
- You exercise less than 2.5 hrs per week.
Also, if you experience symptoms like
- Frequent urination.
- Feeling very thirsty almost all the time.
- Hungry even though you are eating.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal.
- Unexplained weight loss or blurry vision.
- Recurring minor infections such as thrush, urinary tract infection, athlete’s foot or other recurring infections.
The cost of this service is FREE
