Record-based, stepwise screening for type 2 diabetes integrated into an annual cardiovascular care review system: Findings from a UK general practice

AimsScreening high-risk individuals for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is recommended by many organisations. We report results from a pragmatic stepwise T2DM screening programme integrated into an annual review system in a UK general practice.MethodsPatients with hypertension, cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease attending an annual review were screened for dysglycaemia by random blood glucose (RBG) measurement. At the discretion of the usual doctor, individuals with an RBG ≥ 6.1 mmol/l were invited to return for fasting blood glucose (FBG) or HbA1C measurement, allowing diagnosis of T2DM.Results786 eligible patients were invited for T2DM screening as part of their annual review. 544 attended screening, of whom 120 had an RBG ≥ 6.1 mmol/l. 40 individuals attended FBG measurement and 8 individuals attended HbA1C measurement, leading to 9 T2DM diagnoses. The positive predictive value of the test for T2DM was 19% and the laboratory cost was £91 per patient diagnosed with T2DM.ConclusionsIt is feasible to integrate a simple T2DM screening programme within an annual review system in a UK general practice. Different strategies may be required to increase initial attendance and ensure completion of the screening programme.