Intensive health screening of young black diabetics.

Black-insulin-dependent diabetics under the age of 30 years attending a busy South African diabetic clinic were intensively screened for a 4-month period. In the 66 patients studied, the following previously undiagnosed conditions were discovered: cataract (1), peripheral neuropathy (16), retinopathy (8), tuberculosis (4) and anaemia (3). In addition, 29 (43,9%) were on insulin regimens that were not ideal. Attempts were made to improve glycaemic control, especially in those patients with complications, and defective insulin regimens were corrected. The screening programme was carried out with normal manpower and investigative facilities, and the extra time involved was not excessive. This programme could be used (in either an expanded or a limited form) in any diabetic clinic, and would probably considerably improve the health of young insulin-dependent diabetic patients.