What is the effect of population-level screening of asymptomatic adults for type 2 diabetes mellitus or intermediate hyperglycaemia on health outcomes: summary

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus is one of the world's fastest growing chronic conditions. It is associated with heart disease, eye and kidney problems, and premature death. Intermediate hyperglycaemia, a state in which blood glucose levels are above the normal range but below the threshold for diabetes, is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes (T2DM), obesity, cardiovascular diseases and mortality. The review assessed whether population-level screening for intermediate hyperglycaemia and T2DM can improve health outcomes. A single, underpowered, biased study found no benefit of population-level screening for T2DM to reduce morbidity or mortality. No studies reported whether treatment after screen detection improved health outcomes compared with either no treatment or treatment after later symptomatic detection. One underpowered study found no significant difference in health outcomes between more- and less-intensive treatment after screen detection. In summary, there is currently no evidence that screening for T2DM or IHG reduces morbidity or mortality.