Sukkersygescreening

Sukkersygescreening is the process of identifying individuals with diabetes mellitus or prediabetes who have not yet been diagnosed. The aim is to enable earlier lifestyle modification and treatment to prevent complications such as eye, kidney, nerve disease, and cardiovascular problems.

In general, sukkersygescreening targets type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Screening for type 1 diabetes is not part of population screening, and gestational diabetes screening is handled separately during pregnancy.

Screening methods combine risk assessment tools (for example, risk scores) and laboratory tests such as fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, or a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. A positive result is usually confirmed by a repeat test on another day or by a different diagnostic test.

Target groups include adults aged 40 and older or younger individuals with overweight, family history of diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. Many guidelines recommend screening every 3–5 years, with more frequent testing if risk is high.

Benefits include earlier detection, and the opportunity to prevent or delay diabetes-related complications through lifestyle changes and medications when indicated. Limitations include false positives and negatives, anxiety, overdiagnosis, and costs; effectiveness depends on follow-up and adherence.

In health systems, sukkersygescreening is usually offered in primary care and may be opportunistic or population-based per local guidelines.