The invention provides an in vivo screening assay and an in vitro
screening assay for rapid screening of diabetes. A method of the
invention includes determining a first glucose concentration in an ocular
fluid of a patient; administering orally a load of carbohydrate to the
patient; determining a second glucose concentration in an ocular fluid of
the patient at a period of time of less than 50 minutes after orally
administering of the load of carbohydrate; comparing the second glucose
concentration with the first glucose concentration to determine if the
patient is likely to be a diabetic. The method of the invention is
performed by using a kit of the invention. The kit comprises: (1) a
glucose-sensing ophthalmic device and instructions for using the
glucose-sensing ophthalmic device to screen for diabetes; or (2) two or
more tear-collecting devices, and a testing agent composition which
specifically reacts with glucose to form a detectable signal. The
glucose-sensing ophthalmic device comprises a testing agent composition
which specifically and reversibly interacts with glucose to form a
detectable optical signal which changes in a concentration-dependent
manner.