Screening adults for type 2 diabetesYou can use the American Diabetes Association's
risk test for diabetes to see whether you are at risk for developing type 2
diabetes. If you are age 45 or older, the American Diabetes
Association recommends that you get tested for diabetes every 3 years. The
United States Preventive Services Task Force
(USPSTF) recommends diabetes testing for people who
have blood pressure higher than 135/80.1 Talk with
your doctor about what is putting you at risk and how often you need to be
tested. The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for
prediabetes—which may lead to
type 2 diabetes—if you:2 - Are overweight and are age 45 or older. Get
checked for prediabetes during your next routine office visit.
- Are
at a healthy weight and are age 45 or older. During a routine office visit, ask
your doctor if testing is appropriate.
- Are younger than 45 and
overweight—your
body mass index (BMI) is 25 or greater—and you have
one or more other things that put you at risk for type 2 diabetes. These
include:
- High blood pressure, over 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
- Low
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and high
triglyceride.
- A family history of type 2
diabetes. People who have a parent, brother, or sister with prediabetes or type
2 diabetes have a greater risk of getting the disease than adults who do not
have a family history of the disease.
- A history of
gestational diabetes or having a baby weighing more
than 9 lb (4 kg). Women who
have had gestational diabetes or who have had a large baby are at
greater-than-average risk for getting type 2 diabetes later in life.3
- Risk due to race or ethnicity. African Americans,
Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at
greater risk than whites for getting type 2 diabetes.3
- Are overweight and get little or no exercise and
want to help reduce your risk for getting type 2 diabetes.
For more information, see the topic Type 2 Diabetes.
| | Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS | Last Updated: July 28, 2008 | | Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Stephen LaFranchi, MD - Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology | © 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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