Give diabetes the finger! New fingerprick test could save 10 million life-years and 5,000 amputations

PUTNEY, U.K. - Sept. 27, 2023 - PRLog -- New analysis from London Medical Laboratory reveals over one million people are likely to have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in the UK, yet a simple fingerprick diagnostic test (which can be taken at home) can identify the disease.

These fingerprick blood tests could save Brits 10 million life-years; 5,000 lost toes, feet or legs; 300,000 cases of vision loss and 368,000 kidney failures. That's why London Medical Laboratory is launching a new campaign, 'Give diabetes the finger', to fight this invisible killer, which can shorten lives by up to ten years.

London Medical Laboratory's Clinical Lead, Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), says: 'In 2019, there were almost 14 thousand diabetes related deaths in the UK. Britain currently has 4.3 million registered diabetics, but a million more undiagnosed cases represents a ticking time bomb for the NHS. As well as leading to premature deaths it also means avoidable losses of lower limbs such as toes, feet and legs, as well as many cases of partial or complete loss of eyesight.

'Moreover, a fingerprick blood test can also identify if people are pre-diabetic, which is an entirely reversable condition. Basic changes to lifestyle and diet can ensure people return to full health and prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

'Many people don't fully understand the risks this invisible killer presents. If untreated, complications can reduce life expectancy by up to ten years. A million undiagnosed cases here in the UK represent up to 10 million years of life lost to this insidious disease.

It doesn't just kill; it can also lead to many life-changing conditions. According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, recent research shows up to five out of every 1,000 people with diabetes may need a lower limb amputation. According to the latest figures from NHS Resolution, diabetes leads to more than 9,500 leg, toe or foot amputations every year, or 185 cases a week.

'Diabetes also affects eyesight and kidneys as, left untreated, it can lead "diabetic retinopathy" and "diabetic nephropathy". 30% of type 2 diabetics will experience vision loss and 36.8% kidney disease.

The fingerprick blood test measures your "glycated haemoglobin" – commonly known as HbA1c. It assesses the long term impact of glucose. A simple fingerprick blood test, which can be taken in your own home, will categorically confirm whether you have type 2 diabetes. London Medical Laboratory's "Diabetes - Diagnosis and Monitoring test" can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer these tests across London and nationwide in over 95 selected pharmacies and health stores. For full details, see: https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/product/diabetes-check