Prime Highlights
- Health-tech firm PocDoc introduced a smartphone-based diabetes risk test in Northeast England and North Cumbria as part of a pilot project with HI NENC.
- The test uses a finger-prick blood sample, analyzed through a smartphone app, providing results within minutes.
Key Facts
- It measures HbA1c biomarkers, the global standard for diabetes detection, reflecting blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
- The UK faces rising diabetes rates with 5.2 million diagnosed and 1.3 million undiagnosed cases; costs may nearly double from £8.8bn annually in 25 years.
Background
Health-tech company PocDoc has launched a new smartphone-based test in the UK to detect the risk of type 2 diabetes, as part of a pilot project in Northeast England and North Cumbria in partnership with Health Innovation Northeast and North Cumbria (HI NENC).
The test integrates a patented PocDoc microfluidic test and an app that runs on a smartphone. Users provide a finger-prick blood sample, scan it through the app, and receive results within minutes. The technology uses the HbA1c biomarker, the recognised standard for diabetes testing, which reflects average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.
Julia Newton, professor and medical director of HI NENC, said the pilot had the potential to change how detection takes place. It is also possible to prevent type 2 diabetes, provided it is detected early. This is because having tests that are this easy and quick will allow people to take the needed steps earlier on.
The company said its aim is to make diabetes screening more accessible and reduce reliance on hospital testing. Steve Roest, chief executive of PocDoc, noted that the technology supports the NHS by shifting routine diagnostics into homes and communities. “This is the first time a smartphone app has been able to deliver such a test,” he said. “It supports prevention, personalised care, and reduced pressure on frontline staff.”
Diabetes Type 2 is one of the most actively growing health issues in the UK. Diabetes UK estimates 5.2 million people already live with the condition, while a further 1.3 million remain undiagnosed. Current NHS spending on diabetes is more than £8.8bn annually, with projections suggesting the cost could nearly double in the next 25 years.
PocDoc is now looking to expand the service across the UK later this year. The launch builds on its earlier Healthy Heart Check product and follows a £5m funding round completed in late 2024.
