Screening for type 2 diabetes remains controversial. This is largely because, despite strong circumstantial evidence (Harris et al, 1992), there is not yet any direct evidence from trials that screening and earlier diagnosis have an impact on health outcomes (Wareham and Griffin, 2001). A recent editorial in the BMJ suggested that until the multicentre trial of screening and intensive intervention, ADDITION (Lauritzen et al, 2003), reports, we would do best to ‘wait until people present with the classic symptoms of thirst and polyuria before screening them’ (Stolk, 2007). In other words, we’d be best to not screen at all. However, every day in primary care, many people with risk factors for type 2 diabetes will be seen and many will have their blood glucose measured. In this context, we discuss some of the findings from a national pilot screening programme and outline some of the lessons learnt....

A new section to the journal that aims to distill a recently published into implications for practice. This issue, the ProActive UK trial by Ann-Louise Kinmonth and colleagues....