PEOPLE AT HIGH risk of Type II Diabetes should be subjected to screening according to a Highlands and Moray MSP.
Labour member and the Scottish Parliamentary Diabetes Champion, David Stewart, marked national Diabetes Week by pressing the First Minister over the introduction of a ‘High Risk Screening’ programme throughout Scotland.
Mr Stewart asked Nicola Sturgeon if she would undertake to introduce such a programme for “those most at risk of diabetes in our most disadvantaged communities”.
Ms Sturgeon said that the Scottish Government remained focused on preventing diabetes “through the promotion of healthy lifestyles and choices which can reduce and prevent cases of diabetes”.
Following the Holyrood exchange Mr Stewart said: “I want to see the introduction of high risk screening for Type II diabetes throughout Scotland, and particularly in our disadvantaged communities where people are most susceptible to Type II.
“Scotland has seen a large increase in diabetes over recent years and there is a strong link between Type II diabetes and other health conditions including stroke and heart attack, all leading to a reduced life expectancy.
“The introduction of a high risk screening programme for Type II diabetes focussing on those most at risk, who are those aged over 45, those with a family history of diabetes and also those who are overweight would help prevent, identify and treat diabetes at the earliest opportunity.”
Don’t miss David Stewart MSP’s exclusive bi-monthly column on insideMoray this Sunday.