Pharmacies Identify Numerous Undiagnosed Diabetes Cases Through Widespread Screening

Recent health screenings conducted in pharmacies across Carinthia, Austria, have uncovered a significant number of individuals at risk for or already living with diabetes. The large-scale initiative involved 60 pharmacies and utilized point-of-care (POC) health tests to assess 5,600 participants between October 6 and 18. Commissioned by the Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists, the campaign aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacy-led diabetes screening as a preventive health measure.

According to the data, 29.4 percent of people tested displayed an increased risk of developing diabetes, commonly known as prediabetes. An additional 5.3 percent were already affected by diabetes. These findings highlight the potential of pharmacies in early detection and prevention, as many individuals with elevated blood sugar levels may remain undiagnosed without accessible local testing options.

The Chamber's analysis, supported by a budget impact model, suggests that such screening programs could prevent approximately 1,843 new diabetes cases over a five-year period--comprising 591 cases transitioning from prediabetes to diabetes and 1,252 new diabetes diagnoses that might otherwise go unnoticed. Early intervention is crucial, as timely detection allows for better management and can help avoid serious health complications commonly associated with diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems.

The screening results also present substantial economic benefits. Over five years, the Carinthian healthcare system is projected to save around 6.76 million euros compared to a scenario without such testing initiatives. This savings accounts for the costs of testing and subsequent counseling, as well as the reduced expenses associated with treating advanced diabetes and its complications.

The Chamber's calculations indicate that, on average, three out of every 100 individuals with prediabetes will develop diabetes within one year if they participate in screening and receive follow-up care. Without these preventive measures, the annual conversion rate is estimated at nearly seven out of 100. Preventive actions, such as those provided in pharmacies, can therefore cut the rate of disease progression by more than half.

These outcomes underline the added value pharmacies offer as accessible sites for preventive healthcare. By providing convenient testing, pharmacies reach individuals who might not otherwise visit a physician and offer them an opportunity to take early action to manage their health. This proactive approach not only enhances public health but also alleviates the financial burden on the healthcare system.

Based on the success of this campaign, similar screening programs are being considered for the future. The Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists emphasizes that the integration of preventive services such as POC diabetes testing into routine pharmacy practice represents an effective strategy for improving population health and optimizing healthcare resources.