Dear Members of the USPSTF:
"The Endocrine Society agrees with the Task Force’s conclusion that the current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation for or against screening for type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. While we agree with this conclusion, we want to emphasize the importance of this screening and the benefits it provides for those who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly those who are overweight and obese. Recent research also shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant increases in the obesity rates amongst children. These increases point to the need for more screening amongst at-risk populations. For children with high risk factors such as obesity, screening and early diagnosis can help motivate parents to make significant changes which can delay the onset of diabetes. Also, children most at risk of developing diabetes can progress quickly in early adolescence. Screening at-risk children early ensures that targeted interventions can be applied to these groups. As the Draft Recommendations noted, there are other guidelines which recommend risk-based screening for children with obesity and other risk factors. We support these standards and recommend you emphasize the use of this screening and the benefits amongst at-risk populations."
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