The USPSTF recommends screening for abnormal glucose levels as part of a cardiovascular risk assessment for adults aged 40-70 who are overweight or obese. If fasting glucose is in the impaired fasting glucose range (100-125 mg/dL), what should be done?

The USPSTF recommends screening for abnormal glucose levels as part of a cardiovascular risk assessment for adults aged 40-70 who are overweight or obese. If fasting glucose is in the impaired fasting glucose range (100-125 mg/dL), what should be done?

• A. Repeat test in 5 years
• B. Begin treatment
• C. Random test
• D. Confirm on a different day

Answer: (D)

A single fasting glucose in the impaired range can be affected by variability or lab error, so it isn’t enough to diagnose impaired fasting glucose. The right next step is to repeat the fasting glucose on a different day to confirm whether the abnormal value persists. If the repeat test remains in the IFG range, you’d diagnose impaired fasting glucose and pursue lifestyle modification to reduce cardiovascular risk. If the second test is normal, no diagnosis is made and routine follow-up is appropriate. Starting treatment or using a random test wouldn’t be appropriate based on one abnormal result.

A single fasting glucose in the impaired range can be affected by variability or lab error, so it isn’t enough to diagnose impaired fasting glucose. The right next step is to repeat the fasting glucose on a different day to confirm whether the abnormal value persists. If the repeat test remains in the IFG range, you’d diagnose impaired fasting glucose and pursue lifestyle modification to reduce cardiovascular risk. If the second test is normal, no diagnosis is made and routine follow-up is appropriate. Starting treatment or using a random test wouldn’t be appropriate based on one abnormal result.