A SCREENING service for people with diabetes is being launched in Bolton this week in an effort to prevent kidney failure.

The sensitive new testing procedure will be carried out annually for those at greatest risk when attending their family doctor or Bolton Diabetes Centre for their usual screening.

More tests will be performed in the clinic but will be supported by a more accurate test in the laboratories at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The test will predict those patients most likely to develop future complications such as kidney disease. Early detection enables people to receive treatment which can slow or even prevent such complications.

The testing procedure, which looks for minute quantities of protein in the urine, is more accurate than any previously available in Bolton.

This also means patients receive only the treatment which will benefit them.

"It has been estimated that early detection and treatment of kidney disease in diabetes can reduce the need for kidney dialysis and transplantation by up to 63pc," said consultant physician, Dr John Dean.

Around 2,000 people could be screened annually under the programme, which is being funded by the health authority.

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