Who qualifies for type 2 diabetes screening?

• A. Overweight/obese adults aged 40-70, and young individuals with risk factors
• B. All children
• C. Elderly over 80
• D. Only those with a family history

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to identify people at higher risk for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes or prediabetes so they can be found early and started on lifestyle changes or treatment. The recommended group includes overweight or obese adults who are between 40 and 70 years old, because weight and age significantly raise diabetes risk. It also includes younger adults who have additional risk factors—things like a family history of diabetes, certain ethnic backgrounds, a history of gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, high blood pressure, or abnormal lipid levels. By focusing on this combination of weight, age, and risk factors, screening targets those most likely to benefit from early detection.

Screening isn’t routinely done for all children, nor is it limited only to the elderly by age alone. And screening based solely on family history isn’t enough, since many with risk factors for type 2 diabetes may not have a family history. So the described group best captures who should be screened.