The US Preventive Services Task Force wants adults at risk for type 2 diabetes to get tested. Medpage Today reports that the at-risk profile includes being 45 or older and being overweight or obese, or having a first-degree relative who has the disease. Additional risk factors include women who have had gestational diabetes and certain ethic groups, including Hispanics and Native Americans.
Medpage notes that the new policy is an update of the task force’s 2008 position which was that there was not enough proof that this sort of screening would be effective. The task force says information has since rolled in that shows screenings could improve clinical outcomes.
