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title: Screening for diabetes. When and why

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# Screening for diabetes. When and why

The term diabetes screening means early detection of the disease. Screening and diagnostic testing should not be confused. If symptoms of diabetes are present, a diagnosis is made, which is not screening. The purpose of the latter is to identify individuals with asymptomatic pathology. Screening determines whether a person has diabetes and how severe the problem is. To make a definitive diagnosis, separate diagnostic tests using standard criteria are required for positive screening tests.

Screening for diabetes includes:

Determination of glucose in blood plasma on an empty stomach;
Glucose tolerance test;
Study of the level of glycohemoglobin (rarely).
Additional diagnostic tests may be used, for example, for the presence of glucose and acetone (ketone bodies) in the urine.
If necessary, determine the level of glucose after meals. Such tests are called random. Plasma glucose measurements are carried out without taking into account the time of the last meal.



Who should be screened for diabetes and why?

Based on WHO expert opinion, screening is recommended for people over 45 years of age. Frequency: every three years. The interval was chosen due to the low likelihood of complications developing between screenings. For people with higher risk factors, screening should be done earlier.

Among these factors:

High BP.
History of gestational diabetes.
Elevated cholesterol.
Chronic pancreatitis.
Cardiac ischemia.
Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Fatty degeneration of the liver.
Hemochromatosis.
Cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis).
Mitochondrial neuropathies and myopathies.
Myotonic dystrophy.
Friedreich's hereditary ataxia.

The likelihood of developing diabetes is higher with the systematic use of certain drugs: glucocorticoids, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs. It also increases with age, obesity, and low physical activity. Diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in people with a family history of the disease and members of certain racial/ethnic groups. Contact [**Doctor Gold Coast**]([https:/](https://thepinesmedicalpractice.com.au/)/) now to get your diabetes level screened now!

Screening for diabetes in children

As recommended, screening for children/adolescents is indicated when there is a significant risk of having or developing type 2 diabetes. Being overweight (weight > 120% of ideal), heredity (diabetes in relatives of the first and second degree of kinship), and the presence of signs of insulin resistance are the basis for a screening test. Don’t think so much; get your child screened for diabetes now with the Doctor near Currumbin.


Why Diabetes Screening Is Important

Individuals with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes are at high risk of stroke, fungal infections, eye problems, coronary heart disease, foot ulcers, and peripheral vascular disease and are more likely to have a child with hypoglycemia. Early detection and timely treatment of diabetes reduce the severity of the disease and its complications. Looking for diabetes screening near me? Find online the best doctors for diabetes screening in your area!

Diabetes is often diagnosed only after complications appear, making treatment difficult. Screening is believed to help identify about a third of all people with diabetes. It is impossible to determine the presence of diabetes on your own. Only a [**Doctor in Elanora**]([https:/](https://thepinesmedicalpractice.com.au/)/), having assessed the clinical manifestations and/or predisposing factors, will refer the patient for examination.

For detailed consultations on screening for diabetes, make an appointment with the Doctor near Palm Beach.