Why are type 2 diabetes screening tests done?

Most people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms in the early stages of the condition. This means that the diagnosis is often delayed.

By the time a diagnosis is made, you may already have some diabetes complications. For this reason, people at high risk of type 2 diabetes should have diabetes screening tests.

Screening tests help with the early detection of type 2 diabetes. An early diagnosis means you can start treatment to help prevent diabetes complications.

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What is a type 2 diabetes screening test?

Screening tests for type 2 diabetes include blood tests to check your glucose (sugar) levels.

There are different types of blood glucose tests. You may have a:

• fasting blood glucose test — where you don’t eat for several hours before the test
• oral glucose tolerance test — where you have blood glucose tests after drinking a sugary drink
• HbA1C test — which indicates how much sugar has been in your blood over the past few months

For all blood glucose tests, a blood sample is taken from one of your veins. It’s then sent to a pathology lab for analysis.

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Who should have type 2 diabetes screening tests?

Type 2 diabetes screening tests are recommended for people who are at high risk of type 2 diabetes but have no symptoms.

Diabetes screening blood tests are recommended once a year for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 18 years and older.

If you are non-Indigenous, your doctor should check your risk of type 2 diabetes every 3 years from 40 years of age.

They will use the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). You can also use this risk test yourself — it’s a short list of questions.

This risk test considers your:

• age, sex and ethnicity
• family history of diabetes
• blood pressure
• whether you smoke
• your usual diet
• how much physical activity you get
• your waist measurement

If you have an AUSDRISK score of 12 or more, you are considered to be at high risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

You are also considered to be at high risk of diabetes, regardless of your AUDRISK score, if you:

• are aged 40 years or older and are overweight
• have had a heart attack or stroke
• are from certain ethnic or cultural backgrounds — including people who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, those with a Chinese cultural backgrounds and people from the Indian subcontinent
• have had gestational diabetes (a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy)
• have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• take medicines to treat psychosis

What is the cost of diabetes screening tests?

If you have a Medicare card and your doctor orders diabetes screening tests, the test is usually bulk billed. That means there are no additional costs to you (out-of-pocket costs).

It’s always a good idea to ask the pathology lab about any additional costs before you have a blood test.

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What do my results mean?

You will usually need to make an appointment to see your doctor to get your blood test results. Your results may show that your blood sugar levels are normal or high.

If you blood sugar levels are high, you may be asked to have more blood tests.

The results may show you have type 2 diabetes. Sometimes your blood glucose level can be raised, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes — this is known as pre-diabetes.

What if my diabetes screening test results are normal?

If your results are normal, ask your doctor when you should return for your next diabetes screening test.

Your doctor will ask you to repeat the screening tests every 12 months if:

• you are at high risk for type 2 diabetes
• you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes
• you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• What should I do if I’m at high risk of type 2 diabetes?

If you are at risk of developing diabetes or have pre-diabetes, you can make lifestyle adjustments to help delay or stop you getting type 2 diabetes. These include changes to your diet, physical activity and weight management.

Structured, intensive lifestyle programs can be more effective than general lifestyle changes. Ask your doctor about programs and lifestyle advice. They may also refer you to a dietitian.

Resources and support

You can call Diabetes Australia on 1800 177 055. Visit Diabetes Australia for information and resources, and:

• find resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
• get multicultural resources
• use the Diabetes Australia risk calculator

The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) has resources, support services and subsidised diabetes products. The NDSS website also has diabetes information in languages other than English.

To check if you’re in the healthy weight range, visit healthdirect’s page on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

Find out more about health and wellbeing programs offered in your area:

• New South Wales: Get Healthy Service
• Northern Territory: Healthy Territory Kids
• Queensland: Create healthier habits
• South Australia: Better Health and other resources
• Tasmania: Healthy Tasmania
• Victoria: Life! Program — Life! is run in English, Chinese, Vietnamese and Arabic
• Western Australia: Healthy Lifestyle Program

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.