Screening for Diabetes
Regular screening for diabetes is a proactive step towards maintaining good health, even if you don't have any symptoms. Diabetes can develop silently over time, and early detection can help prevent complications and provide valuable insights for timely intervention. Here's what you need to know:
"Are You at Risk of Diabetes?" Diabetes Risk Test:
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) provides a helpful online tool called the "Are You at Risk of Diabetes?" Diabetes Risk Test. This user-friendly tool assesses your risk based on factors such as age, weight, physical activity, and family history. It provides valuable insights into your diabetes risk, helping you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about whether you should undergo diabetes screening.
For asymptomatic adults, testing for diabetes or prediabetes typically begins at the age of 35 years. However, the criteria for testing may also include those who meet certain risk factors before this age. Here are the criteria for testing in asymptomatic adults:
- Testing should be considered in overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 or ≥ 23
kg/m2 in Asian Americans) adults who have one or more of the following risk factors:
- First-degree relative with diabetes
- High-risk race/ethnicity (e.g., African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
- History of CVD
- Hypertension (≥ 140/90 mmH or on therapy for hypertension)
- HDL cholesterol level < 35 mg/dL (0.90 mol/L) and/or a triglyceride level > 250 mg/dL (2.82 mmol/L)
- Women with polycystic ovary syndrome
- Physical inactivity
- Other clinical conditions associated with insulin resistance (e.g., severe obesity, acanthosis nigricans)
- Patients with prediabetes (A1C ≥ 5.7% [39 mmol/mol], IGT, or IFG) should be tested yearly.
- Women who were diagnosed with DM should have lifelong testing at least every 3 years.
- For all other patients, testing should begin at age 45 years.
- If results are normal, testing should be repeated at a minimum of 3-year intervals, with consideration of more frequent testing depending on initial results and risk status.
Regular screening for diabetes is a proactive approach to safeguarding your health. It ensures that any potential issues are detected early, allowing for timely intervention and the adoption of healthier lifestyle choices.
By working in partnership with your healthcare provider and using resources like the ADA's risk calculator, you can take control of your health and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications. Remember, early detection and prevention are key to a healthier future.
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Kunal Sood, MD
Medical Director