Diabetes risk assessment in Polish community pharmacies. Results from a pilot national screening campaign

Among the chronic diseases currently affecting society, diabetes mellitus is one of the most worrying.Its global prevalence is growing rapidly, and by 2045, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) predicts that approximately 783 million adults will be living with diabetes, resulting in greater life-threatening health complications and hospitalizations, and reduced life expectancy [1].Over 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes (T2DM), with the key contributors being the ageing population, sedentary lifestyle, increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, and growing urbanization.The condition often remains asymptomatic for many years; however, early detection of increased blood glucose concentration, followed by a successful reduction of modifiable risks, can significantly delay or inhibit the development of full-blown T2DM and its complications [2].A key role in such preventive strategies may be played by community pharmacists, who are often the first point of contact between patients and the healthcare system [3][4][5][6][7].The paper presents the results of a pilot national screening program for T2DM introduced to Polish community pharmacies by the professional body, i.e. the Pharmacists' Chamber (Naczelna Izba Aptekarska).During the program, pharmacists interviewed patients according to the FINnish Diabetes RIsk SCore questionnaire (FINDRISC) intended for patients at high risk of T2DM.They also performed capillary blood glycaemia measurements, together with further interventions such as education or referral to a general practitioner, depending on the result.The pharmacist-led interventions were carried out according to a new algorithm on taking blood glucose measurements in community pharmacy; this was introduced very recently as a joint strategy by diabetologists and pharmacists (i.e. the co-authors of the current study) [8].Methods.