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.

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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.”

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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.”