Screening and Testing for Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes in Asymptomatic Adults

Abstract

Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes risk through an informal assessment of risk factors or with an assessment tool, such as the ADA (American Diabetes Association) risk test, is recommended to guide health care professionals on whether performing a diagnostic test is appropriate. Approximately one-quarter of people with diabetes in the US and nearly half of Asian and Hispanic American people with diabetes are undiagnosed. Although screening of asymptomatic individuals to identify those with prediabetes or diabetes might seem reasonable, rigorous clinical trials to prove the effectiveness of such screening have not been conducted and are unlikely to occur. Clinical conditions, such as hypertension, hypertensive pregnancy and obesity, enhance risk. Additional considerations regarding testing for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in asymptomatic individuals include the following: age, BMI (body mass index) and ethnicity, medication, HIV, testing interval, community screening and screening in dental practice.