Screening for diabetes:
Individuals are considered at higher risk for diabetes mellitus if they have a history of diabetes in parents or siblings, are overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), are sedentary, are one of the follwing ethnicities ( African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders), history of high blood pressure over 135/80 mm Hg, HDL cholesterol ≤35 mg/dl (0.90 mmol/l) and/or a triglyceride level ≥250 mg/dl (2.82 mmol/l), history of gestational diabetes, delivery of a baby weighing over 9 lbs, or a history of Polycystic ovary syndrome.
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), adults without any symptoms but with sustained blood pressure greater than 135/80 mm Hg (treated or untreated) are recommended to have screening for type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends to screen for diabetes at 45 years of age. They also recommend screening for diabetes at any age in those who are overweight (body mass index greater than 25) plus history of high blood pressure, family history of diabetes, high cholesterol, sedentary lifesyle, childbirth weight over 9 pounds, diabetes while pregnant, or polycystic ovaries.
