An estimated 9% of all Americans have type 2 diabetes, a disease in which the body does not properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert food sources into energy. An estimated one-third of these individuals are undiagnosed. Type 2 diabetes is caused by resistance to the effects of insulin, and having type 2 diabetes increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, and eye complications, among other medical conditions. In the June 3, 2008 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued updated guidelines for screening adults for type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes.

The USPSTF sought to estimate the potential benefits and harms of diabetes screening. After evaluating relevant studies and reviews, including clinical trials, between March 2001 and July 2007, the USPSTF recommended screening for type 2 diabetes in asymptomatic adults with a sustained blood pressure greater than 135/80, regardless of whether the individual was being treated with blood pressure medications. They also concluded that current evidence was not sufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of routine screening in adults with a blood pressure of 135/80 or lower who had no symptoms of diabetes or pre-diabetes, blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. However, screening might still be considered on an individual basis in cases where a diagnosis of diabetes would assist in prevention strategies for heart disease.

Currently, the American Diabetes Association recommends screening in individuals with a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL. If you're concerned about your risk for type 2 diabetes, talk to your health care professional about whether routine screening is right for you.