Screening is done to find a problem and treat it early. Tests are given to people who do not have symptoms but who may be at high risk.
During a doctor visit, a person will be weighed. The doctor can also measure the person's waist.
Screening Guidelines and Tests
All adults should have their blood pressure checked. This can be done during a doctor visit. If levels are higher than normal, they will be rechecked. This may be done on another day. Some may need to check their blood pressure at home.
A blood fat (lipid) test will be done. This test measures different types of cholesterol. It also measures triglycerides. If levels are too high, the doctor may want to do these tests more often.
The doctor will advise when blood glucose should be tested. It depends on a person's risks.
A person can be tested at any age for being overweight with one or more of these:
- Family member with the same problems
- A history of diabetes while pregnant , or birth of baby weighing over 9 pounds
- Women with polycystic ovary syndrome
- History of heart problems
People with prediabetes should be tested every year.
References
Diabetes mellitus type 2 screening. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/evaluation/diabetes-mellitus-type-2-screening. Accessed April 11, 2022.
Hypertension. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hypertension. Accessed April 11, 2022.
Metabolic syndrome. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/metabolic-syndrome-in-adults. April 11, 2022.
Metabolic syndrome. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/metabolic-syndrome. Accessed April 11, 2022.
Metabolic syndrome in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/metabolic-syndrome-in-adults. Accessed April 11, 2022.
Obesity in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/obesity-in-adults. Accessed April 11, 2022.
Prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/metabolic-syndrome/prevention-and-treatment-of-metabolic-syndrome. Accessed April 11, 2022
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
- Update Date: 04/11/2022