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ADA ‘tremendously disappointed’ with recent USPSTF diabetes screening recommendations
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The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently recommended screening for abnormal blood glucose levels among asymptomatic adults aged 40 to 70 years with overweight or obesity as part of cardiovascular risk assessment.
“Diabetes is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes,” Michael Pignone, MD, MPH, of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), said in a press release. “The good news is, we can identify people at risk and help them make lifestyle changes that may ultimately prevent or delay complications associated with this serious illness.”
The statement also recommends that health care providers refer patients with abnormal blood glucose levels to intensive behavioral counseling interventions that promote healthy diets and exercise.
“Losing weight reduces the chances of developing diabetes, which is why our recommendation focuses on diet and exercise,” William Phillips, MD, MPH, of the USPSTF said. “Patients who have abnormal blood sugar levels can be referred to programs that help them eat a more healthful diet and exercise more often.”
In a statement released by the American Diabetes Association, the association expressed disappointment that the recommendations fall short of “well-established screening guidelines of diabetes experts around the world.” The USPSTF recommendation risks missing diabetes in several groups with a high prevalence of undiagnosed disease, including younger adults, certain ethnic groups and women with a history of gestational diabetes.
“Diabetes is a serious disease that can result in dangerous, life-threatening complications, including, but not limited to, cardiovascular disease,” Robert Ratner, MD, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer of the association, said in the statement. “Diabetes is also a leading cause of blindness and amputation, and is the only rising cause of end-stage kidney disease. Therefore, it is shocking that the USPSTF ignored the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes itself and chose to view diabetes screening solely through a focus on CVD risk. Diabetes screening should not just be one component of a CVD assessment as it is in the USPSTF’s recommendation.” – by Amber Cox
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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