Diabetes Screening: When and Why You Need It

India is the diabetes capital of the world — over 77 million adults live with the condition, and millions more are undiagnosed. Understanding when and how to screen for diabetes can literally save your life.

Who Should Get Screened for Diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association and Indian guidelines recommend screening if you:

• Are over 45 years of age
• Are overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 23 for Indians)
• Have a family history of diabetes (parent or sibling)
• Have high blood pressure (≥ 140/90 mmHg)
• Have a sedentary lifestyle
• Are a woman with history of gestational diabetes or PCOD
• Have pre-diabetes (blood sugar in borderline range)

Key Tests for Diabetes Screening

Fasting Blood Glucose

• Normal: < 100 mg/dL
• Pre-diabetes: 100–125 mg/dL
• Diabetes: ≥ 126 mg/dL (confirmed on two occasions)

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin)

The gold standard for diabetes diagnosis and management. Reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months.

• Normal: Below 5.7%
• Pre-diabetes: 5.7%–6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

Post-Prandial Blood Glucose (PPBG)

Measured 2 hours after a meal. Normal is below 140 mg/dL. Between 140–199 is pre-diabetes, and ≥ 200 indicates diabetes.

How Often Should You Screen?

If you have no risk factors, screen every 3 years starting at age 45. If you have risk factors (obesity, family history, PCOD), screen annually.

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Diabetes

• Maintain a healthy weight — even 5–7% weight loss reduces diabetes risk significantly
• Exercise at least 150 minutes per week (brisk walking counts)
• Eat a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Limit sugary drinks and processed foods
• Don't smoke — smoking increases insulin resistance