Screening and Early Detection of Type 2 Diabetes

The ADA has recently recommended HbA1c with a cut-point 6.5% for diagnosing diabetes. HbA1c provides a reliable measure of chronic glycemia and correlates well with the risk of long-term diabetes complications, so that it is currently considered the test of choice for monitoring and chronic management of diabetes.

Screening tests, as mentioned above, may be combined to improve performance.

Early detection of type 2 diabetes enables initiation of patient-centred management to improve glycaemic control and minimise complications. Optimal management consists of lifestyle interventions such as weight reduction, increased physical activity, healthy diet, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol consumption, and glucose-lowering therapies to reach individualised glycaemic targets. These interventions should be supported by structured education and self-management programmes at the time of diagnosis, combined, as necessary, with psychological support.