For individuals with normal results, how often should type 2 diabetes screening be repeated?

• A. Every 3 years for normal results
• B. Every year
• C. Every 5 years
• D. Only once in a lifetime

Answer: (A)

Screening intervals for adults who have a normal result are planned to balance catching any early changes with avoiding unnecessary testing. When a diabetes screening result is normal, repeating the test every 3 years is generally recommended. This interval reflects that the likelihood of quickly progressing from normal to diabetes is relatively low, so testing more often than every few years adds little benefit and increases cost and burden. Waiting longer than 3 years could miss the development of abnormal glucose levels, while testing annually would be unnecessary for most people without risk factors. If someone has risk factors such as overweight or obesity, a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or other insulin resistance risks, clinicians may suggest more frequent screening or starting earlier.