Screening for Type 2 Diabetes
A screening test for type 2 diabetes (type 2 diabetes mellitus) is a blood test to measure your blood sugar (glucose) level. This test is done to check for early signs of diabetes, before you develop symptoms. Type 2 diabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease that occurs when the pancreas does not make enough of a hormone called insulin. This results in high blood glucose levels, which can cause many complications.
You may be screened for type 2 diabetes as part of your regular health care, especially if you have a high risk for diabetes. Screening can help identify type 2 diabetes at its early stage (prediabetes). Identifying and treating prediabetes may delay or prevent development of type 2 diabetes.
WHAT ARE THE RISK …show more content…
• Being of American-Indian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, or African-American descent.
• Not getting enough exercise.
• Being older than 45.
• Having a history of diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).
• Having low levels of good cholesterol (HDL-C) or high levels of blood fats (triglycerides).
• Having high blood glucose in a previous blood test.
• Having high blood pressure.
• Having certain diseases or conditions, including:
○ Acanthosis nigricans. This is a condition that causes dark skin on the neck, armpits, and groin.
○ Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
○ Heart disease.
• Having delivered a baby who weighed more than 9 lb (4.1 kg).
WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES?
Adults
• Adults age 45 and older should be screened at least once every 3 years, as long as screening test results are normal.
• Adults who are younger than 45, overweight, and have at least 1 other risk factor. These adults should be screened at least once every 3 years, as long as screening test results are normal.
• Adults who have normal blood glucose levels and 2 or more risk factors. These adults may be screened once every year
A screening test for type 2 diabetes (type 2 diabetes mellitus) is a blood test to measure your blood sugar (glucose) level. This test is done to check for early signs of diabetes, before you develop symptoms. Type 2 diabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease that occurs when the pancreas does not make enough of a hormone called insulin. This results in high blood glucose levels, which can cause many complications.
You may be screened for type 2 diabetes as part of your regular health care, especially if you have a high risk for diabetes. Screening can help identify type 2 diabetes at its early stage (prediabetes). Identifying and treating prediabetes may delay or prevent development of type 2 diabetes.
WHAT ARE THE RISK …show more content…
• Being of American-Indian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, or African-American descent.
• Not getting enough exercise.
• Being older than 45.
• Having a history of diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).
• Having low levels of good cholesterol (HDL-C) or high levels of blood fats (triglycerides).
• Having high blood glucose in a previous blood test.
• Having high blood pressure.
• Having certain diseases or conditions, including:
○ Acanthosis nigricans. This is a condition that causes dark skin on the neck, armpits, and groin.
○ Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
○ Heart disease.
• Having delivered a baby who weighed more than 9 lb (4.1 kg).
WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES?
Adults
• Adults age 45 and older should be screened at least once every 3 years, as long as screening test results are normal.
• Adults who are younger than 45, overweight, and have at least 1 other risk factor. These adults should be screened at least once every 3 years, as long as screening test results are normal.
• Adults who have normal blood glucose levels and 2 or more risk factors. These adults may be screened once every year