Screening Guidelines for Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association created guidelines to screen for diabetes at the earliest possible appropriate time. Take a look at these guidelines to find out when to get tested for diabetes:

• People with symptoms of thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss are tested immediately.

• People over age 45 should be tested every three years if otherwise normal.

• People should be tested at a younger age and more often if:

  • They are obese.

  • They have a parent or sibling with diabetes.

  • They are from a high-risk group, such as African American, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American.

  • They have delivered a baby over 9 pounds or had gestational diabetes.

  • They have high blood pressure.

  • They have low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides.