All individuals with a definite risk for diabetes should be tested. These include:

1. All persons with symptoms suggestive of diabetes.
2. All persons who have a close relative (blood relation) who is diabetic.
3. All pregnant women.
4. All adult patients suffering from tuberculosis or recurrent infections.
5. All obese patients.
6. All patients with high blood pressure. Lipid problems, heart disease or paralytic strokes.

Many diabetics may not fit into these groups, hence, all persons above the age of 40 years should have tests for detecting diabetes at least once a year.