Type 2 diabetes screening should start at what age and interval if normal?

Type 2 diabetes screening should start at what age and interval if normal?

• A. Starting at 30 and every 2 years
• B. Starting at 40 and every 2 years
• C. Starting at 45 and every 3 years
• D. Starting at 50 and every 5 years

Answer: (C)

Screening for type 2 diabetes in asymptomatic adults is aimed at catching disease early while still preventing complications. Because the risk of diabetes rises with age, average‑risk adults are typically first screened around age 45. If the test result is normal, the recommended repeat interval is about every 3 years. This interval balances the likelihood of disease progression with the practicality and cost of testing; testing more often in people with normal results usually doesn’t provide enough additional benefit. Those with risk factors—overweight or obesity, family history, high blood pressure, abnormal lipids, or a history of gestational diabetes—should start earlier and be tested more frequently. The other schedules start too young or test too often for people at average risk, which is why they aren’t preferred.

Screening for type 2 diabetes in asymptomatic adults is aimed at catching disease early while still preventing complications. Because the risk of diabetes rises with age, average‑risk adults are typically first screened around age 45. If the test result is normal, the recommended repeat interval is about every 3 years. This interval balances the likelihood of disease progression with the practicality and cost of testing; testing more often in people with normal results usually doesn’t provide enough additional benefit. Those with risk factors—overweight or obesity, family history, high blood pressure, abnormal lipids, or a history of gestational diabetes—should start earlier and be tested more frequently. The other schedules start too young or test too often for people at average risk, which is why they aren’t preferred.