I recently visited Asda in Kirkcaldy to take part in their free diabetes tests that they are offering shoppers in their pharmacies throughout Scotland. The offer allows customers to undertake a free diabetes screening test whilst doing their weekly shop, without having to make a prior appointment.

With the pharmacies being open seven days a week, including bank holidays, and with late opening hours Monday to Saturday it is hoped that it will encourage shoppers to take a test and reduce the number of people who are suffering with undiagnosed diabetes in Scotland.

As with many medical conditions the faster you can identify diabetes the better. These tests offered by Asda are quick and convenient whilst you are out doing your weekly shop and I would encourage everyone to take part.

With almost a quarter of a million people in Scotland now suffering from diabetes and that rate increasing it’s important that all cases are identified as quickly as possible as left untreated it can cause serious health problems.

Therefore offering free tests whilst you are doing your shop is a great initiative. It is not just about identifying but preventing diabetes. By finding out if you are at risk you can make the lifestyle changes needed to prevent or delay its onset.

The testing, carried out by trained pharmacy colleagues, involves a blood glucose test which indicates if the customer is at risk of diabetes. Following from the result the pharmacist will be able to recommend follow up steps for the customer.

I’ve taken the test and I hope that shoppers in Asda Kirkcaldy, and further afield, join me and check for diabetes.