When Should You Get Tested?

Experts recommend routine testing for type 2 diabetes if you are:

  • Age 45 or older
  • Between ages 19 and 44, are overweight or obese, and have one or more other diabetes risk factors
  • Are a woman who had gestational diabetes

Though type 2 diabetes most often develops in adults, children also can develop it. Experts recommend testing children between ages 10 and 18 who are overweight or obese and have at least two other risk factors for developing diabetes, such as a low birth-weight, a mother who had diabetes while pregnant with them, or any other type 2 diabetes risk factors.

Medicare covers the cost of diabetes tests for people with certain risk factors. If you have different insurance, ask your insurance company if it covers diabetes testing.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases