33% would use online health checks

Almost a third of Scots would check symptoms of a health concern online rather than see a doctor, according to a survey.

It also found a similar number of people would not feel comfortable talking to friends or loved ones about their own health.

The poll was carried out by Yougov for Diabetes UK, who want more people to talk about the illness.

The survey, which interviewed 2,072 people across the UK and 174 in Scotland, found 30 per cent of Scots said they would seek online advice forst over talking to AGP.

Less than a quarter said they would feel comfortable speaking to an employer about health concerns.

Angela Mitchell, national director of Diabetes Scotland, said: “Talking about diabetes can be hard. But for someone living with the condition, or caring for someone who does, it can mean getting the right treatment, ensuring your rights are protected at work, or making sure your child gets the best care at school. That’s why being able to talk about diabetes, and having people to talk to about the condition, is so important.

“This diabetes week we want to help people live better with diabetes, by giving them tools and tips to start tricky conversations.”