Diabetes Screening

The criteria for diagnosing diabetes have been more closely defined in recent years and more people now fall in to the category of diabetic although many will not have s  symptoms. Typically uncontrolled diabetes will present as weight loss, excessive thirst and urinary frequency. Increasingly we see people who have none of these    symptoms but their laboratory investigations indicate that diabetes is present. Early diagnosis of diabetes allows for control of the condition and consequently less likelihood of developing complications such as heart problems, strokes, eye problems (including blindness), vascular problems and impaired nerve supply to the limbs. 
If you have symptoms or if you think you are at risk of having diabetes (significantly overweight or family history) it is very worthwhile being checked.
The screening will involve careful enquiry in to your history and symptoms, physical examination including blood pressure , eyes , cardiovascular system and peripheral   nerve supply. A urine sample will be tested and blood taken to check your blood glucose level, kidney and liver function.

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