Who should be tested for prediabetes and diabetes?
According to the American Diabetes Association even adults without symptoms who are overweight or obese and have one or more additional risk factors for diabetes should be tested beginning at the age of 45 years old.
Risk Factors for Prediabetes and Diabetes
- Obese or overweight
- Over the age of 45 years old
- Physical inactivity
- Diabetic history with your parent, brother or sister
- Having a family background that is African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/ Latino, or Pacific Islander.
- Giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds or being diagnosed with gestational diabetes (diabetes first found during pregnancy).
- Having blood pressure - 140/ 90 mmHg or above-or being treated for high blood pressure
- HDL or “good”, cholesterol below 35 mg/dl, or a triglyceride level above 250 mg/dl
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS
- Having impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) on previous testing
- Having other conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as severe obesity or a condition called acanthosis nigricans, characterized by a dark, velvety rash around the neck or armpits
- Having a history of cardiovascular disease
If testing results are normal, testing should be repeated at least every 3 years, unless directed by a physician to have sooner.
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