Written question asked by Lord Harrison (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Darzi of Denham (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 November 2008.

Health: Diabetes

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What mechanisms and guidance they have issued to general practitioners to encourage them to offer blood glucose tests to patients not diagnosed with diabetes who have established risk factors; and

Answer: Putting Prevention First, published on 1 April 2008, set out the Government's proposals for a universal, systematic risk assessment programme for people aged between 40 and 74 who are not already on an established disease register. A copy has been placed in the Library. On 13 November 2008 the department published Vascular risk assessment and management: Next steps guidance, to support primary care trusts (PCTs) in implementing vascular checks. A vascular check will include a filter to determine diabetes risk, and those with established diabetes risk factors will be given a blood sugar test. A copy has been placed in the Library. The guidance emphasises the important role that vascular checks can play in tackling health inequalities, and we expect PCTs to develop local implementation strategies that take into account the risk levels in their own population.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 705 c200-1WA; 6231
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2008-2778
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Deposited papers
House of Lords
House of Commons
Subjects: Diabetes Screening
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk