USPSTF Recommends Screening for Type 2 Diabetes in High-Risk Adults

By Jenni Whalen

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Jaye Elizabeth Hefner, MD

Clinicians should screen adults who are overweight or obese for abnormal blood glucose, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

In 2008, the USPSTF found little evidence for the value of measuring blood glucose in asymptomatic adults. Given data from new studies, the USPSTF now recommends blood glucose screenings as part of a basic cardiovascular risk assessment for asymptomatic adults aged 40 to 70 years who are overweight or obese. They suggest rescreening every 3 years.

This grade B recommendation is based on findings that demonstrate the benefits of lifestyle modifications to prevent or delay progression to diabetes. As such, the task force recommends intensive behavioral counseling to encourage healthy diet and exercise.