when to get tested for diabetes
Asked by: HealthWatcher
Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD
You should consider getting tested for diabetes if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Age 45 or older: The CDC recommends regular A1C testing for adults over 45.
- Overweight or obesity: If you have a BMI of 25 or higher (23 or higher for Asian Americans), you should get tested.
- Family history: If you have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes, you are at higher risk.
- Other risk factors: These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, or a history of gestational diabetes.
- Symptoms: Frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or blurred vision.
If your results are normal, you should repeat the test every 3 years. If you have prediabetes, you should be tested every 1-2 years.