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Prediabetes - When to Call a Doctor

The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for prediabetes-which may lead to type 2 diabetes-if you:2

  • Are overweight and are age 45 or older. Get checked for prediabetes during your next routine office visit.
  • Are at a healthy weight and are age 45 or older. During a routine office visit, ask your doctor if testing is appropriate.
  • Are younger than 45 and overweight-your body mass index (BMI) is 25 or greater-and you have one or more other risk factors for type 2 diabetes. These include:
    • High blood pressure, over 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
    • Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and high triglyceride.
    • A family history of type 2 diabetes. People who have a parent, brother, or sister with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes have a greater risk of getting the disease than adults who do not have a family history of the disease.
    • A history of gestational diabetes or having a baby weighing more than 9lb. Women who have had gestational diabetes or who have had a large baby are at greater-than-average risk for getting type 2 diabetes later in life.5
    • Risk due to race or ethnicity. African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at greater risk than whites for getting type 2 diabetes.5
  • Are overweight and get little or no exercise and want to help reduce your risk for getting type 2 diabetes.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 23, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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