What is Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes develops when your body can’t produce enough insulin, or when the insulin that is produced doesn’t work properly. If untreated, it can cause very serious health problems.
Type 2 Diabetes Screening
At Crawley Chemist we offer a screening service to determine whether you are at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. It’s completely confidential and takes just a few minutes.
Who is this service for?
This service is for people who may be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, a condition characterised by what is known as insulin resistance. This is where the body does not effectively respond to the insulin produced, as a result blood sugar levels become too high. It can be managed by taking tablets such as Metformin and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What does this service offer?
The service will take place in a private consultation room by a trained member of staff. You will be asked a series of questions in order to help determine whether you are at risk of developing Type 2 diabates, including:
- Your age
- Your height, weight and waist measurement
- Your daily activity
- Your diet, in particular how many fruit and vegetables you eat
- If you use high blood pressure medication
- If you have ever had a high blood glucose reading
- If any family member has diabetes
If you are at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, we can advise you on how to slow or even reduce your risk of developing the condition. If you are at high risk, we will measure your blood pressure and your blood glucose level, by taking a very small finger-prick sample of blood.
Depending on the results of this test, we may ask you to come back for further assessment. This will include:
- A fasting blood glucose test, which involves taking a sample of blood when you have an empty stomach (usually first thing in the morning before you have breakfast)
- Weight, height and waist measurement
- Additional blood pressure measurements
We will also offer you lifestyle advice and recommend ways of reducing your chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes. If appropriate, we may refer you to your doctor.