Using a public health station for screening of undiagnosed dysglycemia and hypertension

Random blood glucose screening at a public health station encouraged high risk subjects to make lifestyle changes

BACKGROUND

Screening and early diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes can prevent or delay disease onset and complications. To that end, a free public health station was established in a large, government medical centre. This study evaluated the long-term outcomes of abnormal random blood glucose results among patients with no history of diabetes or prediabetes.

METHODS

The Diabetes Unit supervised a public dysglycaemia and hypertension screening station. Participants with blood glucose >140 mg/dL and no history of diabetes or prediabetes were contacted by telephone for follow-up.

RESULTS

Among screened subjects, 868 (average age 57.5±12 years) had a random blood glucose level >140 mg/dL and 341 (39.3%) responded to the telephone survey. Of these, 313 (91.8%) subsequently had fasting blood glucose measured at their health maintenance organisation (HMO), of which 101 (32.3%) were abnormal. A total of 173 (51%) respondents initiated interventions: 59 (17.3%) antidiabetic treatment; 145 (42.5%) sugar-restricted diet; and 96 (28.2%) a physical activity programme. Of patients with abnormal fasting blood glucose, 17 (14.5%) reported having had this result previously compared with 9 (4.2%) with normal fasting glucose (P=.001). Among respondents, 216 (63.3%) stated the screening was effective and 273 (80.1%) would recommend it.

CONCLUSION

The station was effective in promoting additional screening among high-risk age groups and encourages subjects to make lifestyle changes. Operating the screening station is simple and effective; therefore it may serve as a complementary step in promoting community healthcare.