The number of cases of diabetes in the UK is steadily rising but many people may be unaware they have the condition.

If someone thinks they may be diabetic but are just not sure, the chances are they will put off going to their GP until the symptoms are more pronounced.

But as with any other long-term condition, the earlier diabetes is spotted, the quicker it can be brought under control and the patient shown how to live with it.

So pharmacists are now helping by offering a free diabetes-testing service.

All people need to do is walk in, take a small, simple, blood test and, within minutes, the pharmacist will be able to tell them whether they have high levels of sugar in their blood or not.

Because the person may have just eaten or drunk something which could affect the reading, they are invited to come back the next day for a second test.

This time they will have fasted for 12 hours to make sure there is nothing in their system.

If the reading is still high, the person is advised to go to see their doctor.

Gareth Rees, pharmacist manager at Lloyds Pharmacy in Durrington, Worthing, has just introduced the service.

He said: "We can't actually diagnose the condition but we are able to refer people to their GP if there appears to be a problem.

"We have worked closely with GPs in the area who know what we are doing and who have welcomed it.

"The best thing is people don't need to make an appointment to see us. All they have to do is walk in and get checked out. People have been quite interested in the idea and are getting themselves tested.

"We tested 25 people one week and three of them were eventually diagnosed as diabetic.

"I think people often have an idea they might have the condition, especially if it runs in the family and they know the symptoms.

"What we can do is confirm whether there is a potential problem and they can then go and do something about it."

Lloyds believes up to one million people in the UK could have diabetes but are undiagnosed and not getting proper treatment.

Early detection and treatment can help reduce the risk of serious health complications, which include heart disease, blindness and kidney failure.

Each one of the pharmacists taking part in the testing scheme has had specific training to carry out the test and is experienced in offering diet and lifestyle advice for those at risk.

Simon O'Neill, head of the care development team at the charity Diabetes UK has welcomed the new testing service.

He said: "Diabetes is a serious condition. The figures have doubled in the past 20 years and are set to double again in the next ten."

Andy Murdock, pharmacy director and superintendent pharmacist at Lloyds, said: "This campaign highlights the need for more effective management of diabetes.

"Pharmacists can play a key role in its detection and on-going management."

Diabetes is a condition where the body can't use glucose properly. The main symptoms are increased thirst; going to the toilet a lot, especially at night; extreme tiredness; weight loss and blurred vision. The symptoms are quickly relieved once treatment starts.

There are two versions of diabetes:

Type 1 develops slowly and the symptoms are usually less severe. Some people may not notice any symptoms at all or attribute them to growing older or overwork and their diabetes is only picked up in a routine medical check-up.

Type 2 largely affects people over 40 years old and is the most prevalent form of the condition.

Diabetes runs in families. The closer the relative, the greater the risk of developing the condition. And being overweight and unfit increases the chances, too.

Pregnant women can also develop a temporary type of the condition.

For the nearest pharmacy offering a testing service, call 0800 3892578.

For more information about diabetes visit www.diabetes.org.uk or call the Diabetes UK careline on 020 7424 7424.