Savvy Senior: May you’ve got prediabetes? | Existence

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Anyone 45 years or older should consider getting tested for prediabetes, especially if you are overweight with a body mass index over 25. Information on how to calculate your BMI can be found at CDC.gov/bmi.

You should also be evaluated if you are younger than 45 years but are overweight, have high blood pressure, have a family history of diabetes, or are of any ethnic group (Latino, Asian, African, or Native American) at high risk of diabetes.

To help you determine your diabetes risk, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) offers a quick online risk test that you can take for free at DoIHavePrediabetes.org.

If you find you are at risk for prediabetes, there are three different tests your doctor can give you to diagnose. The most common is the “fasting plasma glucose test,” which requires an eight hour fast before ingestion. There is also the “Oral Glucose Tolerance Test” to see how your body is processing sugar and the “Hemoglobin A1C Test” which measures your average blood sugar over the past three months. It can be taken at any time, regardless of when you have eaten.

Most private health insurances and Medicare cover diabetes testing. Alternatively, if you’re not ready to see your doctor for a test, you can go to the drugstore, buy a blood glucose meter, and test yourself at home. They cost around $ 20.