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Diabetes Screening in Williamsport, PA

Diabetes screenings are a way to measure the blood sugar levels (glucose) in your body. Your blood sugar will change when you consume food or beverages, so it’s important to follow the instructions from your doctor about fasting before the screening.

Why Diabetes Screenings Are Performed

The most common screening for diabetes is called fasting plasma glucose (FPG). In addition to this test, providers at UPMC offer diabetic eye exams to check for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (damage to the small blood vessels in the retina or back of the eye) and other eye problems.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), healthy adults age 45 and older, overweight or obese adults are good candidates for preventive diabetes screenings.

You might be a candidate for screening if you:

  • Have a family history of diabetes
  • Are African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
  • Have heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Have a medical condition with insulin resistance
  • Are not physically active—from work, obesity or a medical condition
  • Are a woman with a history of gestational diabetes or who has delivered a baby weighing more than nine pounds

To learn more about the risk factors for diabetes, speak with a provider at UPMC.

Benefits of Diabetes Screenings

Taking the first step towards prevention starts with a screening. Our diabetes experts perform tests that may detect diabetes early to help you stop or slow the development of the disease and associated complications.

A diabetes screening can help prevent:

If the results of your screening are normal, your provider may recommend a repeat screening in one or several years, depending on your risk factors. For added peace of mind, speak to your primary care physician for further direction.