11 Doctor-Recommended Women's Health Screening Tests You Should Know

6. Diabetes Screening (Hemoglobin A1c)

Diabetes screening detects elevated blood sugar before serious complications begin. Hemoglobin A1c shows average blood glucose over the previous two to three months and is a commonly used screening tool. Many clinicians recommend starting screening around age 35 for people at average risk, while those with obesity, a family history of diabetes, previous gestational diabetes, or other risk factors should be tested earlier and more often. If an A1c is in the prediabetes range, lifestyle changes like modest weight loss and increased activity often reduce progression to type 2 diabetes. No special prep is usually required for an A1c, though some labs may prefer fasting for other related tests. Results fall into normal, prediabetes, and diabetes categories, and each bracket has an action plan from watchful waiting to medication and referral to diabetes education. Early detection gives more options to prevent complications like nerve damage or heart disease.