The British In Vitro Diagnostic Association (BIVDA) welcomes the response by Paul Burstow regarding diabetes testing. Nowadays, technology has enabled people with diabetes to take responsibility for monitoring their own blood glucose levels but they do still need periodic checks using the HbA1c test.

Additionally, in order to manage the many symptoms of this complicated long-term condition many other tests, such as for cholesterol and for kidney failure are also required. It is important that these tests are not overlooked by healthcare professionals; however, BIVDA is not shocked to hear that this can be the case. Often the cost of self-monitoring blood glucose levels is seen as of lesser importance and in many cases has been a target for reduction in healthcare expenditure in comparison to drugs and shorter term solutions. But tight blood glucose control is essential if related complications are to be caught and managed early. BIVDA has long been an advocate of effective structured education of patients who are required to manage their diabetes, yet we cannot overlook effective education of healthcare professionals any longer. They must be aware of the required tests for the long term management of diabetes and all its related illnesses. Investing in effective monitoring and diagnostics for diabetes produces significant cost savings to the NHS in terms of reducing long term complications requiring secondary care treatment.