Previous Story
Task force on improving health screening ups recommendation
The U.S Preventive Services Task Force recently expanded its recommendation for broader screening guidelines to help detect pre-diabetic conditions in people, much like what Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) called for last year.
According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sally Burwell, the task force works to improve the health of all Americans by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services.
At the time, Sablan noted that recommendations were only for hypertension. This time, Burwell said the task force is updating its recommendation on screening for diabetes.
In October last year, the task force posted a draft evidence review and draft recommendation statement for public comment that was due on Nov. 3.
New evidence that was submitted through various public entities and people demonstrate that diabetes may be prevented or delayed in people who are at very high risk of developing the disease due to changes in how their bodies process glucose.
“On the basis of this new evidence, the task force proposed screening for abnormal food glucose and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults who are at increased risk for diabetes B grade recommendation,” Burwell said.
This means that the task force has updated its definition of people who may be at risk for abnormal blood sugar or diabetes as including people with any one of the following risk factors:
• Age 45 or older
• Overweight or obese
Having a first degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with diabetes; or
• Women with a history of gestational diabetes or who have polycystic ovarian syndrome.
“Based on this new information the task force has proposed greatly expanding screening when compared to its prior recommendation,” Burwell said.
Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. CEO Esther Muna has backed Sablan call for a broader screening for diabetes.
