Type 2 Diabetes Screening

Regular diabetes screening is recommended if you have been showing symptoms of type 2 diabetes or if there is a history of diabetes in your family. The number of people diagnosed with diabetes continues to grow every year, in both children and in adults. Diabetes can lead to additional health problems and treatment is needed to maintain optimal health and to avoid complications.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

The more risk factors you have, the more you may want to consider getting screened for diabetes on a regular basis. An honest discussion with your doctor can give you a good idea of just how high your risk is.

• High body weight - being overweight is a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. Excess weight can cause your body to become less responsive to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance.

• Inactive lifestyle - exercise has many health benefits, including lowering blood glucose levels.

• Family history - especially if a close relative has been diagnosed with diabetes, or if you have had gestational diabetes.

• Heart disease risks - for instance, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, and poor cholesterol (high LDL, the "bad" cholesterol; and low HDL, the "good" cholesterol).

• Ethnic background - some ethnic groups are at higher risk for diabetes.
• Age - the older you are, the higher the risk, although type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed in children too.

It's also important to recognize the signs of diabetes. If you have been showing symptoms or have risk factors, it's time to see your doctor for an assessment. Your doctor will discuss these with you and determine whether or not to order a diabetes blood test. The fasting blood glucose test is the test that's most commonly used to diagnose diabetes. The test is usually repeated to ensure the diagnosis is accurate.

Your doctor can advise you whether you are considered high-risk for developing type 2 diabetes. A simple diabetes screening will determine whether you have the disease, or if you are in the pre-diabetes stage. Taking action now can prevent or delay the progression of the disease.