Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have access to any of my genetic information?

We will not give out the results of the genetic testing to individuals. This is a blanket approach and also safeguards this potentially sensitive information. Obviously, the information will never be given to a third party either. It is worth mentioning that there are extremely few instances in which this information would have any value to the individual.

What will happen on the visit and how long will it take?

The visit will last approximately 60 minutes. You will have some very simple measurements taken such as blood pressure, waist and hip measurements, skin folds which is like ‘pinch an inch’. The fat scan is a type of x-ray that lasts between 7 and 12 minutes, this will tell us your total % body fat.

What results will I get?

On the day: blood pressure, % fat and Body mass index (BMI measure of healthy weight calculated using height and weight)

Blood test results posted at a later date: Blood sugar (glucose) and blood fats, cholesterol and triglyceride.

Why was I picked? Was it because a member of my family has diabetes?

No, you were selected at random by NHS number (Thames Valley Primary Care Agency) from Oxfordshire residents aged between 30-50.

Can I still take part if:

I don’t want to give fat biopsies?

Yes, the fat biopsies take place on another visit and are optional.

I don’t like needles and have fainted in the past/very difficult veins?

Blood samples are taken by experienced nurses who will ensure that you are lying down for blood sampling, we also use warming pads to help.

Will the test find out if I am ill or have a disease?

The main things we may find out are:

• high blood pressure
• elevated blood sugar which is an indicator of increased risk of diabetes
• elevated blood fats such as cholesterol which in the long term are a risk for heart disease

We would always advise that participant see their GP if anything is elevated. With the tests we make there will be no indication of other possible severe disorders such as for example cancer.