Diabetes
The UK NSC policy on Diabetes screening in adults
More Information
Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) condition caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is also known as diabetes mellitus.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body produces no insulin. It is often referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes. It is also sometimes known as juvenile diabetes, or early-onset diabetes, because it usually develops before the age of 40, often in the teenage years.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when not enough insulin is produced by the body for it to function properly, or when the body’s cells do not react to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1 diabetes.
» Read more about type 1 diabetes on NHS Choices
» Read more about type 2 diabetes on NHS Choices
Policy Position
General population screening should not be offered. Whole population screening has been assessed against the UK NSC criteria and does not meet a number of the criteria.
The UK National Screening Committee has identified the need for a Vascular Risk Management Programme, however, which includes diabetes.
This policy was reviewed in Jul 2006 and significant changes were made. It is due to be considered again in 2012/13, or earlier if significant new evidence emerges.
Evidence Supporting the Policy
Review found that the case for screening for undiagnosed diabetes and for impaired glucose tolerance, while still not meeting all the criteria of the UK National Screening Committee, is becoming stronger because of greater options for the reduction of cardiovascular disease and because of the rising prevalence of obesity, and hence type 2 diabetes.
Using these recommendations, those from the National Service Framework for Diabetes and National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease, and the findings from the Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Project, the National Screening Committee recommended the introduction of a Vascular Risk Management Programme.
Stakeholders
British Society for Immunology
Diabetes UK
Royal College of General Practitioners
The stakeholder groups will be involved when the policy is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.
