If you or someone you love is overweight or obese and age 35 or older, there’s a simple, inexpensive, and potentially lifesaving test you need. Recently the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce has recommended a simple screening test for diabetes.

It used to be recommended starting at age 40, but as obesity-related diabetes has begun affecting younger people, with an almost 30% jump in diabetes deaths in people ages 25-44, the need to screen younger folks has become obvious.

This new recommendation means that more than 40 percent of the adult population should now be screened.

I need to mention that this recommendation does not include pregnant women as all pregnant women should be screened for diabetes.

And others should be screened even earlier, especially American Indians, Black people, Hispanics, and other groups with disproportionately high diabetes rates.

Be sure to talk to your family doctor about this new recommendation.

© Copyright WLL, INC. 2021. This blog provides a wide variety of general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your regular physician. If you are concerned about your health, take what you learn from this blog and meet with your personal doctor to discuss your concerns.