image

MODEL RELEASED. Blood glucose test. Drop of blood on a patient's finger. This blood will be smeared on a testing stick (not seen) that will change colour according to the concentration of blood sugar (glucose). Diabetics have to perform these tests regularly. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which unused sugars accumulate in the blood and urine. It is caused because the body fails to produce the hormone insulin or fails to respond to it properly. Monitoring their blood glucose levels allows diabetics to control the disease through diet, medication and insulin injections. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/TRACY DOMINEY)