Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam

The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for type 2 diabetes in children if they are overweight and have two or more additional risk factors. This approach is based on the understanding that certain children are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes, particularly those who are overweight and exhibit factors such as a family history of diabetes, signs of insulin resistance, or other conditions associated with diabetes.

By focusing on children who meet these criteria, the recommendation aims to identify those who may benefit from early intervention and management to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. This targeted screening approach is more efficient and effective than screening all children indiscriminately or only those who exhibit symptoms, thus ensuring that resources are used where they are most needed.

Screening solely symptomatic children or not screening before adolescence does not adequately address the prevention of type 2 diabetes in high-risk populations, which is why the recommendation emphasizes the role of both weight and additional risk factors in determining the necessity for screening.