Targeted testing would more efficiently screen for DR and save money

The call comes after an ongoing study that examined 30 years of medical data highlighted the need to adjust the frequency of eye screenings for those with type 1 diabetes.{{quote-A:R-W:450-I:2-Q:“The results could save money and time while getting better health outcomes – a win all around,”-WHO:Dr Catherine Cowie, from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases }}Currently, vision screenings are automatically scheduled annually for every diabetic. However the study, originally published in the New England Journal of Medicine advocated a targeted approach.The screening strategy recommended for Type 1 diabetics with a blood glucose level of 6% are; every four years for those with no diagnosed retinopathy; every three years for mild retinopathy; every six months for moderate retinopathy; and every three months for severe retinopathy.For people with blood glucose levels of 8% and higher, increasing the number of eye exams is also necessary since there is a greater risk of developing the disease.It is estimated that in the next 20 years the new screening schedules would result in an average of only eight exams per person. This would reduce the frequency by more than 50% and in the process save around US$1 billion (AU$1.33 b).“The results could save money and time while getting better health outcomes – a win all around,” Dr Catherine Cowie, from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, said.“The findings from this landmark type 1 diabetes study will inform a precision medicine approach, where treatment is tailored to the individual. The next step is for the findings to be discussed and potentially incorporated into medical guidelines for care of people with type 1 diabetes.”