By IANS,
London : Aston University scientists are wanting to examine eyes to track early symptoms of diabetes. They are particularly interested in susceptibility differences between the South Asian and Caucasian populations in Birmingham.
Healthy 20-65-year-old volunteers are being sought to take part in a free health check-up. Results could help detect risk or early diabetic changes.
Volunteers will undergo a simple ultrasound test to assess cardiovascular health, an eye test to measure blood flow and blood vessel diameter, and a blood test for glucose and cholesterol levels.
Researchers, led by ophthalmologist Doina Gherghel, would like to test Indians, Sri Lankans, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis and Caucasians, with or without a family history of diabetes.
Sunni Patel, an Aston University Ph.D student in optometry, said: “In UK alone, two million people have diabetes. Up to 750,000 are believed to be afflicted without even realising it.”
“The South Asian community is particularly susceptible – with one in three people of Pakistani, Indian, Sri Lankan or Bangladeshi descent being affected. If opticians were equipped with the knowledge and technology to spot the first signs of diabetes, the UK’s early diagnosis rate could be improved significantly,” he added.