The value of adding serum glucose assay to the ‘biochemical profile’ was assessed by a detailed follow-up of all inpatients with serum glucose concentrations of 10 mmol/l or more. After excluding patients who were on intravenous glucose infusions or were known to be diabetic. 1 in 10 was found to have unsuspected diabetes by further blood glucose measurements, glucose tolerance tests, and clinical assessment. The incidence was 0·8% of all inpatients receiving a biochemical profile, and in a full year 64 diabetics would be detected. The extra cost of laboratory tests was only £20 for each diabetic detected.
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