MORE than 1,000 unwitting diabetes sufferers may be traced through a screening programme at pharmacies in the Durham dales.

Health bosses estimate that as many 1,100 Wear Valley and Teesdale residents could unknowingly have diabetes, an incurable condition in which the body is unable to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.

Six community chemists have teamed up with the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust to set up a screening service so that sufferers can be diagnosed early and treated.

This could prevent the development of long-term conditions, including problems with eyes, feet and kidneys.

The service will also identify patients at risk and refer them to GPs and other health care professionals.

The service starts next month at six pharmacies: Clemitson's, in Hope Street, Crook; Welsh Chemist, St Helen Auckland; Wolsingham Pharmacy; Britton and Robson, Willington; Boots, Bishop Auckland; and M and M Chemist, Bishop Auckland.

Funding is from the Pharmacy Alliance, the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit and the primary care trust.

About 2,600 people in the two dales have already been diagnosed with diabetes, which affects about three per cent of the population.

Symptoms include feeling thirsty and drinking more than usual, going to the toilet frequently, particularly during the night, weight loss and feeling tired.

Jason Forward, pharmaceutical communications development manager at the trust, said: "This new screening service will help to identify patients with undiagnosed diabetes, ensuring prompt referral to a GP.

"The scheme will also give us the opportunity to explore the role of the community pharmacists in the primary health care team and to explore the potential to extend their role as community pharmacists in diabetes management."

People using the screening service must be registered with Stanhope Medical Centre, Willington Medical Group, North House Surgery, Crook, Auckland Medical Group or Station View Medical Centre, in Bishop Auckland.