Workplace screening reveals hidden threat of type 2 diabetes

A workplace screening exercise by Hampshire based Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (DRWF) has demonstrated that many people are unaware that they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the associated health risks,

The charity ran the event at Langstone Technology Park last Thursday 13^thJune and tested dozens of volunteers from the 59 organisations based there. It was part of the established on-site health and safety forum wellness programme.

DRWF is working in partnership with BHR Pharmaceuticals Limited-who provided the BHR A1CNOW+ HbA1c Blood Testing System and the staff to administer the test. It is a portable system which allows healthcare professionals to provide individuals with an indicator of average blood glucose control for the past two to three months. It measures the amount of blood glucose in millimoles per mole(mmol/mol).

The ranges used were:

Normal – 42mmol/mol or lower

Indicator of pre-diabetes – 43-47mmol/mol

Indicator of diabetes – 48mmol/mol

Out of the 87 people signed up beforehand five people tested in the 43-47 range, DRWF and BHR provided support for these people and a letter to take to their GP for more tests.

Type 2 diabetes prevalence in Portsmouth in people over 16 is estimated by Public Health England to be 12,906 people, this is a diagnosed and undiagnosed estimate and reveals that 7 people out of every 100 in the area have the condition. It is based on estimates by the Office for National Statistics. June 10^thto 16^thhas been national diabetes week. DRWF CEO Sarah Tutton said: “we were very pleased to be invited to offer a workplace screening event today with BHR. It allows people to have a quick and fairly painless test which can flag any issues with their long-term blood glucose readings. We know early type 2 diabetes intervention can make a huge difference to their future health. We have robust protocols in place to manage people’s reactions to the test and to provide ongoing diabetes help and support through our NHS Standard Accredited information, website and events programme.”

Complications resulting from type 2 diabetes cost the NHS over £1.5m an hour or 10% of the NHS budget for England and Wales. In total, an estimated £14 billion pounds is spent a year on treating diabetes and its complications, with the cost of treating complications representing the much higher cost.

Chris Hill from Fasset Langstone property and facilities management company explained:“The health and safety forum meet every six months and we were delighted to support this activity with DRWF. We know a fit and healthy workforce makes for a happier and more productive company and we are keen to support all our tenants which range from call centres, laboratories, recruiters, charities and software designers to improve their wellbeing.”