How do I screen for type 2 diabetes?

by Specialist

Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease that is common in the United States and around the world. Yet, statistically, one-third of people with type 2 diabetes are unaware that they have this serious disease. Because type 2 diabetes is often asymptomatic, early screening will help prevent patients from developing serious complications, including chronic hyperglycemia associated with chronic damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Patients with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes are at significantly higher risk for stroke, coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. People with diabetes are also more likely to have abnormal cholesterol, hypertension, and obesity.

Who should be screened for diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association says that everyone should be screened for diabetes every 3 years starting at age 45, especially those who are overweight or obese. Screening should be done earlier and more frequently if multiple risk factors are present. The US Preventive Medicine Task Force recommends screening for type 2 diabetes (insulin-resistant diabetes) in adults with high blood pressure or high cholesterol to reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular disease.

What are the risk factors for diabetes?

Common risk factors for diabetes include:

  • Have a family history of diabetes (parent or sibling with diabetes)

  • Overweight (body mass index not less than 24)

  • Habitual lack of exercise

  • Race/ethnicity

  • History of abnormal fasting glucose (IFG) or abnormal glucose tolerance (IGT)

  • Hypertension (not less than 140/90 in adults)

  • Dyslipidemia: HDL cholesterol not greater than 35 mg/dL, and/or triglycerides not less than 250 mg/dL

  • History of gestational diabetes or previous delivery of a baby weighing more than 4 kg

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome

What are the tests used to screen for diabetes?

Screening can be done with a fasting blood glucose test (FPG) or a glycated hemoglobin test.

What if the screening test for diabetes is negative?

If your diabetes screening result is negative, continue to get follow-up screenings every 3 years or as directed by your doctor. However, if your doctor suspects that you have diabetes or prediabetes, you may need further screening tests for diabetes, even if your initial screening result is negative.

In addition, losing weight, maintaining normal blood pressure and lipid levels, and exercising regularly may reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes.

What if the diabetes screening test is positive?

If the diabetes screening test is positive, further testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor may prescribe medication, along with advice on diet, regular exercise, and lifestyle to help you control your blood sugar and prevent your disease from getting worse.