New NHS pilot in east Suffolk aims to find undiagnosed type 2 diabetes
Free health checks extended to younger adults in bid for early diagnosis
A new NHS Health Check Plus pilot in east Suffolk is targeting up to 700 people aged 25 and over who may have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. The initiative is aimed at early diagnosis to reduce the long-term effects of the condition.
Undiagnosed type 2 diabetes can lead to severe health issues, including sight loss, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and permanent nerve damage. It also makes it harder for individuals to fight conditions like cancer and heart disease.
Funded by NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), the pilot has a budget of up to £83,000 and includes average blood glucose tests spanning 2-3 months, along with checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, and Body Mass Index.
Dr Ruth Bushaway, Associate Medical Director at NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, explained the significance of the initiative:
“Patients identified as at risk of type 2 diabetes will be supported to understand how the Health Check Plus could help them and why it’s so important to have the tests.
“Early diagnosis gives people the best chance of avoiding many of the preventable consequences associated with the condition. Indeed, the pilot may also find patients at risk of other long-term health conditions, giving them access to earlier prevention and support for those as well.”
The pilot differs from the standard NHS Health Check, typically offered to those aged 40-75, as it includes blood glucose tests and is extended to a younger demographic.
Dr Bushaway also highlighted the broader goal of the initiative:
“The pilot will also help us learn about the benefits of having average blood glucose tests included in the standard NHS Health Check and about lowering the age of the check for people at risk of type 2 diabetes. We also hope to understand more about the challenges some people face which prevent them from attending a health check.”
Support for the scheme comes from Suffolk County Council, which commissions NHS Health Checks. Stuart Keeble, Director of Public Health, encouraged participation:
“An NHS Health Check is a free and simple way to assess your overall health and catch early signs of serious conditions. I would encourage anyone invited to be part of this pilot scheme to take up the offer, which is a positive step to staying well for longer.
“It’s good to see that the pilot extends the offer to a younger age range. This means even more people will have the opportunity to benefit from a free check, as well as contributing to our long-term goal of reducing health inequalities in Suffolk.”
The pilot, designed to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities in Suffolk, will run until 31st March 2026.