USPSTF recommends lowering age for diabetes screening

In a new draft recommendation, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) said it is lowering the recommended age individuals should be screened for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. The group wants overweight or obese adults ages 35 to 70 to undergo screening. In 2015, USPSTF recommended screening for abnormal blood glucose as part of cardiovascular risk assessment in adults ages 40 to 70 years who are overweight or obese.

The new draft recommendation also advises clinicians to consider screening individuals who are younger and may have lower body mass index if they are in certain racial and ethnic groups with a higher risk for diabetes.

According to CDC’s 2020 National Diabetes Statistics Report, approximately 13% of all U.S adults 18 years or older have diabetes, and 34.5% meet criteria for prediabetes.

In 2015, USPSTF also recommended that clinicians offer or refer patients with abnormal blood glucose to “intensive behavioral counseling interventions to promote a healthful diet and physical activity.” In addition to lowering the age, USPSTF said in the new draft recommendation that clinicians should offer or refer patients with prediabetes to effective preventive interventions.

The draft recommendation is open for public comment until April 12.