For individuals aged 45 with more than one risk factor, how often is screening recommended?

• A. Every 3 years
• B. Every year
• C. Every 5 years
• D. Every 2 years

Answer: (A)

Screening frequency is based on how likely someone is to develop diabetes. When a person is 45 or older and has multiple risk factors, their chance of undiagnosed diabetes is higher, so clinicians recommend checking again at shorter intervals after a normal result. The goal is to catch any progression early while still keeping testing practical. If the initial screening is normal, repeating it every 3 years is considered appropriate for someone with multiple risk factors. Tests used can include fasting glucose, A1C, or an oral glucose tolerance test; a result in the normal range (for example, fasting glucose below about 100 mg/dL or an A1C below 5.7%) leads to continuing routine screening about every 3 years. If results are abnormal or prediabetes is identified, follow-up testing and earlier intervention (lifestyle changes or treatment) are advised.