Diabetes causes a shortage of insulin, preventing glucose from moving out of the blood stream and into cells to produce energy. Diabetes can lead to coronary heart disease, a stroke, non-traumatic amputation, nerve damage, Retinopathy and renal failure.
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2.8 million people in the UK have diabetes
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750,000 people in the UK have undiagnosed diabetes
On average, the onset of diabetes occurs 9-12 years before a person is diagnosed, by which time their symptoms are usually considered serious.
Diabetes toolkit
The diabetes toolkit includes everything you need to implement this service:
- Blood glucose monitor
- Promotional posters and leaflets
- Audit report pads
- Downloadable diabetes SOP
Full contents of the diabetes toolkit
Why offer this service?
- Create an additional revenue stream - Independent Pharmacy research data found that on average a person with diabetes could contribute around £4000 per annum to a pharmacy.
- Develop customer loyalty - the advice and support you provide to a patient recently diagnosed with diabetes will help to build a really strong customer relationship.
- Compete with other local and multiple pharmacy chains for provision of services.
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Cross-sell diabetes screening with other services - cholesterol testing, blood pressure testing and medicines use reviews.
How do I start?
1. Order a diabetes toolkit - it includes everything you need to get started.
2. Check the PSNC Services Database - your PCT may commission the service.
3. Talk to your local GPs:
Tell them you are going to start a diabetes screening service.
Agree thresholds and a pathway for patient referral.
If you're unsure, the toolkit includes a sample introductory letter.
4. Promote the service using the posters and leaflets included in the toolkit.
Remember, the local marketing fund can help with advertising costs.
5. Encourage your counter staff to talk to customers about your new service.
6. Record test outcome using the audit report pad:
Use this evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of the service to your PCT and contribute towards your CPD.
Read more - More tips on starting a new service
Read more - Member experiences
