Diabetes: type 2 diabetes testing
The following categories have been identified as ‘high risk’ for developing type 2 diabetes. If you fit into any of these categories you should be tested for type 2 diabetes.
- Have impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose.
- Are an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander and aged 35 years or over.
- Are a Pacific Islander or from the Indian Subcontinent or of Chinese origin and aged 35 years or over.
- Are aged 45 years or over and are obese or have high blood pressure, or both.
- Have cardiovasular disease (heart attack, angina, stroke or peripheral vascular disease).
- Have polycystic ovarian syndrome and are obese.
If you belong to one of the groups listed below, you may also be at high risk. Your doctor will advise you whether you should be tested for type 2 diabetes.
- Have had high blood sugar during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).
- Are aged 55 years or over.
- Are aged 45 years or over and have one or more family members with type 2 diabetes.
- Are taking certain medicines (such as some types of medicines used to treat psychotic illness).
Your doctor can do a simple blood test to see if you have type 2 diabetes or are at risk of developing it in the future.
Last Reviewed: 16 September 2009
- 1. Diabetes Australia and The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Diabetes management in general practice. 15th ed, 2009/10. Sydney: Diabetes Australia; 2009. Available from: http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/en/For-Health-Professionals/Diabetes-National-Guidelines/ (accessed Nov 2009).
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