Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Diabetes Screenings

Eligible members may receive up to two diabetes screenings every 12 months.  Eligible members are those who have any of the following:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• History of abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels (dyslipidemia)

• Obesity

• History of high blood sugar (glucose).

Screenings are also covered if 2 or more of these conditions apply:

• 65 or older

• Overweight

• Family history of diabetes (parents or siblings)

• History of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or delivery of a baby weighing more than 9 pounds

Diabetes is a condition that can, if not well-managed, negatively impact every system in the body—from the eyes and skin to the vessels and muscles to the heart and kidneys. Sometimes it seems like everyone of a certain age has diabetes because it has such tremendous impacts on health and has been on the rise for many years, with 1.4 million new diagnoses every year.  Alas, most older adults (more than 70%) actually do not have diabetes and we want to keep it that way by skillfully monitoring those with conditions that are risk factors for its onset.

Many older adults enjoy their sweets and, by and large, that’s not a problem.  Contrary to popular belief, excessive consumption of sugar does not lead to diabetes.  The complications from excessive sugar consumption do. These are high blood pressure, weight gain, poor circulation from a sedentary lifestyle, and insulin resistance.  These and other (non-sugar-related) factors increase the risk for diabetes.  

Diabetes is categorized into Type 1, Type 2, and gestational.  Only gestational diabetes is largely reversible, as for most women it resolves soon after delivery.  Type 1 is not curable or reversible (yet). Type 2 is further divided into insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent. Type 2 is not curable, though for some it’s possible to reverse it, or at least get it to a point where medication to manage it is not needed; it can be managed through diet and exercise.  Perhaps most importantly, though, Type 2 diabetes is also greatly preventable.  Regular screenings for those at risk are a large piece of the prevention puzzle.