Diabetes is very common. But until you have been tested, you can't know whether you have it. In the United States, 1 out of 10 people between ages 40 and 60 are estimated to have diabetes. Among people aged 60 and older, 1 out of 5 have diabetes. Studies suggest that 1 out of 3 people who have diabetes have never been diagnosed.
If you develop any
health conditions commonly caused by diabetes, this is another good reason to get tested.
It is probably worth your while to get tested — even without symptoms — if you have higher-than-average risk of developing diabetes. The American Diabetes Association provides an interactive
risk test for you.
The ADA suggests screening for diabetes in adults older than 45. You also should get a diabetes test if you have a
body mass index of 25 or more and at least one of the following risks for diabetes:
If you get tested because you have one or more risks for diabetes, the ADA suggests repeating the test every three years. (You might consider more frequent testing if you have several risks.) Some people at high risk can
prevent diabetes by using diet and exercise and, in some cases, medicine.
