Collaboration Supports Diabetes Testing in the Community 

During Self Care Week, Bradford Beating Diabetes and Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics formed a partnership to provide diabetes testing in the community for the residents of Bradford. The initiative helped identify those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes to ensure the most appropriate advice, care and support to prevent or delay the onset of the condition. Four DCA Vantage® Analysers were used to issue over 90 HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) tests to participants attending a walk-in service at Girlington Community Centre in Bradford.

“Over 1,000 new patients with type 2 diabetes have been identified since the very start of the Bradford Beating Diabetes campaign. Although the prevalence of diabetes in Bradford is around 10%, higher than the UK average, we believe the community demographic means it should be a lot higher,” states Anne-Marie Mitchell, Practice Manager at Picton Medical Centre. “This year we wanted to bring testing into the community and Siemens has been pivotal in making this a reality. By providing the analysers, training staff on their use and supporting the team we have been able to give local people who are worried about diabetes near-instant results.” 

The DCA Vantage Analysers from Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics use a simple finger prick test to measure the average blood glucose level over 3 months and provide results in six minutes. Following the results, individuals were categorised as either low, moderate or high risk, or diabetic. Residents were also invited to benefit from a range of other tests including blood pressure testing for hypertension, spirometry to check for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in addition to BMI testing. A range of support services were also in situ to provide attendees with lifestyle advice and support.

Steve Carey, Point of Care Product Manager at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics comments, “The DCA Vantage is truly portable, supporting rapid testing in varied environments. During the event a number of high-risk individuals that were previously unaware they were in this category were identified. By identifying those at risk, early intervention can be implemented by practices and ultimately change people’s lives by providing advice to support a healthy lifestyle.”