- Around 1 minuteThe finger-prick test itself is over quickly
- Your result in writingA copy to keep, along with support information
- Screening, not diagnosisA high reading is a reason to see your GP
Who the blood sugar test suits
This screening helps two groups: people recently diagnosed with diabetes who want to keep an eye on their levels, and people at higher risk of developing type 2. Diabetes Australia lists these type 2 risk factors:
- being over 55, as risk climbs with age
- being over 45 and either overweight or living with high blood pressure
- being over 35 and from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, or a Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent or Chinese cultural background
- a family history of diabetes
- having had gestational diabetes, a baby over 4.5 kg, or polycystic ovarian syndrome
Diabetes Australia also notes that many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all, which is why a blood sugar test can be worth doing even when you feel well.
How diabetes monitoring in Abermain works
- Your pharmacist pricks your fingertip to collect a small amount of blood.
- The drop goes onto a test strip, which gives a blood glucose reading.
- You go through the result together, and you can ask any questions you have.
- You leave with a printed copy of your reading plus some support information.
From finger-prick to reading takes around 1 minute.
What a single reading can and cannot tell you
This test will not confirm whether you have diabetes. A high glucose level only signals there may be an issue, so we recommend speaking with your GP, who can arrange more specific testing.
A normal figure is reassuring for that moment, but it does not replace the checks your doctor recommends. If you already have a diagnosis, keep following the plan your GP or diabetes team has given you.
Symptoms to raise with your doctor
Diabetes Australia describes signs that include feeling excessively thirsty, passing more urine, feeling tired and lethargic, always being hungry and cuts that heal slowly. Because the condition is often picked up later in life, these can be put down to getting older. Mention any of them to your GP rather than waiting.
Early attention matters, because in some cases, Diabetes Australia says, the long-term complications of diabetes are already present by the time the diagnosis is made.
Diabetes monitoring questions
Can type 2 diabetes be slowed down?
According to Diabetes Australia, people may be able to significantly slow or even stop its progression by changing their diet and doing more physical activity. Your GP can help you work out a plan.
Should I have my blood pressure measured as well?
High blood pressure after 45 is itself on the type 2 risk list, so it makes sense to know both numbers. Ask for a free blood pressure evaluation while you are here.
Is there a way to gauge my risk before I come in?
Diabetes Australia hosts the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK), 11 short questions that estimate your chance of getting type 2 diabetes within five years. It advises that a score of 12 or more may mean a risk of prediabetes or type 2, and suggests asking your GP to check for diabetes at your next check-up.
This check is one of several health checks and screenings offered at our pharmacy.
Come in for a finger-prick check
Visit Abermain Chemist at 193 Cessnock Road on any weekday or a Saturday morning. A quick call beforehand tells you whether a pharmacist is on hand.