Check whether diabetes testing is due
Testing can uncover diabetes or prediabetes early enough to arrange care and prevent complications.
The number, drawn
Screen ages 35 to 70 with overweight or obesity
Why it matters
Blood glucose can be high before symptoms appear. The 2021 USPSTF recommendation covers adults aged 35 to 70 with overweight or obesity, followed by effective prevention when prediabetes is found. Screening itself has not clearly reduced mortality in trials, so its value depends on the care that follows.
How to do it
- Ask about HbA1c or fasting blood glucose if you meet the screening criteria.
- Tell your clinician about diabetes in close relatives or diabetes during a past pregnancy.
- Ask whether an abnormal result needs a repeat test before a diagnosis.
- If results are normal, discuss when to repeat testing; about 3 years is reasonable for the USPSTF group.
Symptoms, pregnancy and higher inherited risk need a separate testing plan. HbA1c can be misleading with some blood conditions.
Do it
Pick the time you have. Anything beats nothing.
Start with the time you have
1 minute
Recall whether a parent or sibling has diabetes, or you had diabetes in pregnancy; bring this up when asking about testing.
5 minutes
Ask your clinic whether your age and risk factors mean a diabetes blood test is due.
15 minutes
Gather previous results and family or pregnancy history; prepare questions about the test, confirmation of abnormal results and repeat testing.
A plan
Turn a test into a care plan
- Ask whether testing is appropriate, including any symptoms or pregnancy.
- Book the agreed test and get preparation instructions from the service.
- Discuss the result and whether confirmation is needed.
- If prediabetes is found, ask about a prevention programme; otherwise agree when to review testing.
In real life
- Tell your clinician if you had diabetes during pregnancy, even if your glucose later returned to normal.
- Ask which blood test is planned and what preparation it needs.
Watch out for
- Common mistakeA home glucose meter cannot diagnose diabetes, so arrange clinical testing if you are concerned.
- Common mistakeDifferent blood tests need different preparation, so ask the service instead of starting a fast yourself.
Trusted guides
In Czechia
In Czechia, blood glucose is tested at every preventive check with your GP, which adults from 18 have every 2 years.
In Germany, statutory insurance covers a Gesundheits-Check-up once between 18 and 34 and every 3 years from 35. It includes a blood sugar test, which at 18 to 34 is only done if you have risk factors; arrive fasting.
In the Netherlands, your risk of type 2 diabetes is higher if you are over 45 with a risk factor such as overweight, diabetes in the family or high blood pressure, or from 35 with a Hindustani background. Your GP can then check your blood sugar once every 3 years.
In Poland, the free Moje Zdrowie programme for adults from 20 includes a blood glucose test. It is available every 5 years at 20 to 49 and every 3 years from 50; start with the questionnaire in IKP, mojeIKP or at your POZ.
Pacjent.gov.pl checked
In Ukraine, people aged 40 and over can get a free check that covers type 2 diabetes risk, along with cardiovascular and mental health risks, in one visit under the national Health Screening 40+ programme at participating state, communal or private clinics.
Check usSources
- Evidence grade
- A Meta-analyses of randomised trials, or a major guideline consensus.
- Basis
- USPSTF recommendation based on screening trials and evidence for preventive interventions
- The number
- Screen ages 35 to 70 with overweight or obesity (USPSTF, 2021)
- Tier 1 guidelinePrediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: ScreeningUSPSTF, 2021
- Tier 1 guidelineDiabetes Tests and DiagnosisNIH NIDDK, 2022
- Tier 1 guidelineNHS Health CheckNHS, 2023
General health information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Personalization changes the order of suggestions; it does not assess your medical risks. Follow the cautions and consult a qualified clinician when needed.