Type 2 Diabetes: Screening for Adults-Topic Overview

Type 2 Diabetes: Screening for Adults - Topic Overview

You can use the American Diabetes Association's risk test for diabetes to see whether you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

If you are age 45 or older, the American Diabetes Association recommends that you get tested for diabetes every 3 years.¹ The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends diabetes testing for people who have blood pressure higher than 135/80.² Talk with your doctor about what is putting you at risk and how often you need to be tested.

The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for prediabetes-which may lead to type 2 diabetes-if you:¹

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 things that put you at risk for type 2 diabetes. These include:
- High blood pressure, over 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), or you take medicine to control high blood pressure.
- 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 9 lb (4 kg). 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.
- 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.
- A history of heart disease.
- A history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- A history of higher-than-normal blood sugar.
Are overweight and get little or no exercise and want to help reduce your risk for getting type 2 diabetes.

For more information, see the topic Type 2 Diabetes.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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