University researchers' innovative new diabetes test features in national report
Researchers from the University of Leicester pioneered new ways of detecting diabetes risk as part of a study looking at ways of increasing diagnoses and treatment. Their findings have been featured in the annual report of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
The research was led by our Professor Kamlesh Khunti in collaboration with regional NHS trusts and local pharmacies. The team used cutting-edge technology that allows pharmacists to carry out blood tests and generate immediate results, letting patients know on the spot that they might be at risk of diabetes. They have also developed a new self-assessment tool that members of the public can use to calculate their own risk. The aim is to increase awareness and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, which is particularly prevalent in Leicester's community.
It's a real honour for the University and the researchers involved to have the study highlighted by the NIHR in their annual report. Professor Khunti hopes that the new tests will encourage more people to visit their GP if they are at risk of diabetes, adding that early treatment improves long-term outcomes for diabetic patients.
