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Expanding Access to Early Diabetes Detection: A Pharmacy-Based Screening Pilot in Rural New South Wales
Osuagwu Levi Uchechukwu1, Ross Wilson1, Kingsley Agho2
1Bathurst Rural Clinical School (BRCS), School of Medicine Western Sydney University Bathurst NSW Australia.
Health Science Reports
|May 6, 2026
Summary
Pharmacy-led diabetes screening is feasible in rural Australia, identifying many undiagnosed cases. However, connecting patients to primary care after screening remains a significant hurdle.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Diabetes Management
- Rural Health
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus presents a significant public health challenge in Australia.
- Pharmacy-based screening offers a potential solution for early detection in underserved areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of pharmacy-led diabetes screening in rural New South Wales.
- To evaluate diabetes knowledge, risk factors (AUSDRISK), and follow-up behaviors post-referral.
Main Methods:
- A 5-month pilot feasibility study in community pharmacies in Western New South Wales.
- Point-of-care HbA1c and/or random blood glucose testing for eligible participants.
- Referral to General Practitioners (GPs) for abnormal results with clinician follow-up.
Main Results:
- 9 out of 17 enrolled pharmacies completed the study, recruiting 116 adults.
- 76.6% of participants were classified as high risk using AUSDRISK.
- 57.7% had elevated HbA1c/RBG levels; only 15% attended GP follow-up, with 44% diagnosed with diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacy-based diabetes screening is operationally feasible in rural Australia.
- The screening effectively identifies a substantial number of undiagnosed diabetes cases.
- Improving linkage to primary care following screening is crucial for effective diabetes management.
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