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The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7252 p782
7 June 2003

Related websites
Diabetes UK: "Diabetes — it's bloody serious" (more)

Lloyds offers free diabetes tests

Free testing for diabetes is to be offered by Lloydspharmacy from 9 June. The service will initially be available in 265 pharmacies and it is hoped to extend the service nationally by the end of the year.

"Pharmacists can play a key role in the detection and ongoing management of diabetes," said Andy Murdock, pharmacy director and superintendent pharmacist at Lloydspharmacy.

Each pharmacist participating in the new scheme has undergone specific training in order to carry out the tests and offer appropriate advice. The service has been developed according to guidelines from Diabetes UK. The pharmacies offering the service are located in Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Scotland and Wales.

Paul Streets, chief executive of Diabetes UK, comments: "Diabetes UK estimates that 1.4 million people in the United Kingdom have been diagnosed with diabetes — a figure that continues to escalate. Diabetes is a growing concern throughout the UK and it is encouraging to see that efforts are being made by Lloydspharmacy to raise awareness of the condition."

Diabetes week The Lloydspharmacy scheme is launched during Diabetes week which is 8–14 June. This year's campaign aims to raise awareness of the seriousness of diabetes. To mark the campaign, Diabetes UK has produced a leaflet called "Diabetes — it's bloody serious". Further details about the week can be found on the charity's website