Take Control of Your Health: The Importance of Diabetes Testing and Who Should Get Tested

Author: Chantelle van der Merwe

Registered Dietician (SA) PG Dip Diabetes Management (UK) . Prevention is better than cure 

Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes? The answer may surprise you. Even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms, you could be at risk.

Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic condition that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage your health and reduce your risk of developing diabetes. One of those steps is getting tested for diabetes. But who should get tested? Let's explore the answer to that question and learn more about diabetes testing.

According to the Society of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa and the  American Diabetes Association, there are two instances when testing is recommended. The first is if you're over the age of 45. As we age, our risk for diabetes increases. The second instance is for all adults, regardless of age, who are overweight with a BMI greater than 25 kg/m2 (or greater than 23 kg/m2 for Asians) and have one or more additional risk factors.

What are those additional risk factors? They include physical inactivity, hypertension (blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg) or treatment for hypertension, having a first-degree relative with diabetes, dyslipidemia (low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides), polycystic ovarian syndrome, high-risk race/ethnicity (such as Asian, Indian or Coloured), history of cardiovascular disease, gestational diabetes, weighing more than 4 kg at birth, previous impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, and other conditions associated with insulin resistance such as severe obesity or acanthosis nigricans (a skin condition charactertised by dark, velvety patches in body folds and creases. 

If you fall into any of these categories, it's important to get tested. The good news is that testing is easy and can be done in your doctor's office. A simple blood test can measure your blood glucose levels and determine if you have diabetes or are at risk for developing it.

It's also important to note that if your test results are normal, you should still be screened again every three years. If you develop symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or blurred vision, you should be screened again sooner.
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Remember, prevention is always better than cure. By getting tested for diabetes, you can take steps to manage your health and reduce your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.