Screening for
diabetes is recommended according to the risk factors a person may have. If
there are a number of risk factors, then screening may be recommended more often
and at a younger age. Screening includes the evaluation of risk factors and the
testing of blood glucose. A number of risk factors have been identified which
can be used to direct prevention, screening, and treatment strategies. Specific
risk factors include:
A family history
of diabetes, a previous record of high fasting blood glucose or glucose
intolerance, previous gestational diabetes or delivery of an infant >9 pounds,
A lack of
physical activity,
Being overweight
(with a body mass index between 25-30), or obese (with a body mass index >30),
Existing
cardiovascular disease or increased hypertension, polycystic ovary syndrome, or
psychiatric illness,
Being a member
of an at-risk ethnic group: Hispanic, non-Hispanic black, Asian descent, Native
American, or Pacific Islander
Older age,
Smoking, or
Women with a
history of gestational diabetes
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