Phone test can analyse diabetes risk 'in minutes'

A Cambridge-based health tech company has created a new smartphone test for type 2 diabetes risk.

The PocDoc test uses a finger-prick blood sample and smartphone app to measure HbA1c levels, which is the biomarker for diabetes.

It was designed to deliver results in minutes rather than weeks, so patients could understand their risks sooner and make any lifestyle changes.

Sarah-Ann Ferguson, lead product manager at PodDoc, said: "Our test aims at helping people figure out whether or not they are at risk of diabetes, and help them to take steps to prevent diabetes in the future."

The "Diabetes Health Check" is being piloted in the North East of England and North Cumbria as part of an NHS project.

As part of the testing, patients provided a blood sample which they placed on a microfluidic assay (MFA), which is a small, portable system used to perform analytical tests.

Patients then scanned the MFA and received their results almost instantly, the company said.

Ms Ferguson added: "Our test is different in that we measure certain bio markers, and you are able to get your results the same day on your smart phone and then that result will get sent to your GP for a follow up.

"It is really possible if you figure out your status early that you can take the action to reduce your blood sugar levels so you are not at risk of developing diabetes."

Patrick Lawrence's, from Luton, did not know he was diabetic until he went to his GP.

The 57-year-old said it had been "a three-month challenge" to lose weight and he had shed about 4.5 stone (28kg).

"I had a choice of soups, shakes, and I continued to do the exercise and that probably helped drop the weight even quicker," he said.

"Diabetes is in remission, but I am still getting checked all the time to make sure it continues that way."

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