Diabetic screening postponed

Routine eye-screening check-ups for those with diabetes in Scotland have been postponed due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People said that while routine screenings are vital in detecting the early signs of diabetic retinopathy patients would be at a more serious risk of coronavirus infection were they to attend hospital clinics.

Consultant in public health medicine for screening from NHS National Services Scotland, Dr Tasmine Sommerfield, explained that a risk assessment had been undertaken in coming to this decision, adding: ‘The [screening] programme will be re-commenced when it’s safe to do so.’

In the meantime people with diabetes have been urged to control their blood sugar levels to the best of their ability, and should contact a GP if they experience complications.