When to test for diabetes

Because risk increases with age, diabetes tests should be given routinely at three-year intervals for everyone starting at age 45, but they’re not strictly reserved for older adults. The American Diabetes Association also recommends more frequent testing for younger people who are at high risk. This includes adults who:

• are at least 20 percent above ideal body weight

• have a parent or sibling with diabetes

• are African American, Asian-American, Hispanic-American, Native American, or Pacific Islander

• gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds

• had diabetes during pregnancy

• have high cholesterol

• have high blood pressure

• have been identified with abnormal glucose tolerance

• have polycystic ovary syndrome (POS), a hormonal disorder marked by insulin resistance.

To address the recent increase in type 2 diabetes among children, the ADA also urges testing every two years, starting at age 1 0, for overweight children who have two or more additional risk factors.

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