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Case Reports
. 1997 Jun;47(419):371-4.

Finding diabetics--a method of screening in general practice

S P Bullimore  1 , C Keyworth
Affiliations
Case Reports

Finding diabetics--a method of screening in general practice

S P Bullimore et al. Br J Gen Pract. 1997 Jun.

Abstract

Background: It is well known that many diabetic patients go undiagnosed until complications have started to develop. Screening can be expensive in time and money, and ineffective, and is therefore unpopular with general practitioners (GPs).

Aim: This study aimed to develop a screening method that was cost-effective and practical within the setting of an ordinary general practice.

Method: Urine-testing sticks for glucose were sent with an explanatory letter to all (1736) non-diabetic subjects over 50 years old in a general practice. At the same time, diabetic recall and care were audited and improved in the practice.

Results: Reply slips were received from 1204 patients (69.4%). Of these, 2.6% were positive and 97.4% were negative. Eight new diabetic patients were therefore found at a cost of 78.25 pounds each.

Conclusion: This method of screening a selected part of a general practice population is practical and effective. Apart from the human cost, the financial cost of finding a new diabetic patient is small compared with that of caring for a diabetic patient who is blind or an amputee.

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Comment in

  • Screening for diabetes.
    Pike LA, Crombie DL. Pike LA, et al. Br J Gen Pract. 1997 Nov;47(424):751-2. Br J Gen Pract. 1997. PMID: 9519535 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • Screening for diabetes.
    Farmer A. Farmer A. Br J Gen Pract. 1997 Nov;47(424):752. Br J Gen Pract. 1997. PMID: 9519536 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • Screening for diabetes.
    Campbell C. Campbell C. Br J Gen Pract. 1997 Nov;47(424):752-3. Br J Gen Pract. 1997. PMID: 9519537 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

References

    1. J R Coll Gen Pract. 1989 May;39(322):193-5 - PubMed
    1. BMJ. 1991 Sep 21;303(6804):696-8 - PubMed

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