The new blood test for type 1 diabetes allows some patients to reduce or stop taking insulin injections. Credit: Matt Chesin / Unsplash.

The government has introduced a new blood test for type 1 diabetes patients in Scotland that would improve the accuracy of diagnosis.

Offered at hospital diabetes centres, the C-peptide blood test allows some people to reduce or completely stop taking their insulin injections.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Scotland is claimed to be the first country to offer this blood test to patients who have had a type 1 diagnosis for at least three years.

According to the Scottish Government, approximately 315,000 people in the country are currently living with diabetes.

Scotland Public Health minister Maree Todd said: “Diabetes is a clinical priority for this government and we want to ensure that everyone living with diabetes in Scotland can access safe, effective and person-centred healthcare, treatment and support.

“Type 1 diabetes is a significant health challenge right across the world. I am proud that Scotland will be the first country to introduce this blood test, which has the potential to have a significant positive impact on the lives of those people living with diabetes.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

A significant level of C-peptide in a person’s body indicates that the individual does not have type 1 diabetes and there is a possibility to stop or reduce their insulin treatment.

Regular C-peptide testing helps doctors to know how much insulin a diabetes patient’s body is producing itself.

The launch of this simple blood test for type 1 diabetes follows a two-year pilot study, which was conducted in National Health Service (NHS) Lothian and led by diabetes and endocrinology consultant professor Mark Strachan.

Strachan said: “C-peptide helps diabetes specialists make a more accurate diagnosis of the cause of diabetes, and that means we can get people on the most appropriate treatment.

“In some instances, C-peptide testing allowed people to stop very long-standing insulin therapy; this can be life-transforming.”