Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes screening
Summary of the 2021 recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Who it applies to
Adults aged 35 to 70 who have overweight (BMI 25 or higher) or obesity and no symptoms of diabetes.
Recommendation
Screen for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (grade B). People found to have prediabetes should be offered or referred to effective preventive interventions, such as intensive lifestyle programs focused on diet and physical activity.
Tests and interval
Screening can use fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c or an oral glucose tolerance test. Based on limited evidence, screening every 3 years may be reasonable for adults with normal results.
Notes
Clinicians should consider screening at an earlier age, or at a lower BMI, for people from groups with a higher prevalence of diabetes or with other risk factors such as a family history or a history of gestational diabetes.