Screening for diabetes is cost-effective when using the right strategy.

When should you start screening to detect type 2 diabetes? Using a mathematical model to simulate 325,000 people in the US population, researchers have found the most cost effective strategy is to start screening between 30 and 45 years of age with repeat tests every 3 to 5 years.

Doing this would allow a diagnosis some 6 years earlier that simply waiting for symptoms to develop and can prevent 7 myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) for every 1000 people screened.

PositiveTip: If you are over 30, ask your health care provider if you should be screened for diabetes. 

Putting off having a colonoscopy? "Nicer" alternatives are being developed.

While certainly not our favorite screening procedure, colonoscopy remains the best method of detecting colorectal cancer early. A surprising number of people simply refuse this important screening test. Technology may be coming to their rescue (and ours also). Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a large capsule with a camera at each end and the electronics to image the entire colon. Patients must prepare carefully before swallowing, then swallow the capsule which goes into "sleep mode" for the transit time to the colon, "wakes up" and for 10 hours images your colon! Is it a viable option yet?