# Type 2 diabetes screening in Kenya: who, when and which test

_In Kenya, everyone from 35 should have a blood sugar test, and younger adults who are overweight with a risk factor should test now. A normal result is..._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/type-2-diabetes/screening

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> In Kenya, everyone from 35 should have a blood sugar test, and younger adults who are overweight with a risk factor should test now. A normal result is repeated at least every 3 years.

**Age to start blood sugar tests:** 35
_Earlier with risk factors. Ministry of Health Kenya 2025._

**Type 2 diabetes: at a glance**

| Who should get checked | How it is checked | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Everyone from age 35: a blood sugar test | Fasting blood sugar or HbA1c | Diabetes risk assessment | Hypertension and diabetes assessment, KES 200 |

## Type 2 diabetes screening in Kenya: who, when and which test: your questions answered

**Q: What is recommended for everyone from age 35?**

A: A blood sugar test.

**Q: What is recommended for younger adults who are overweight with a risk factor?**

A: Test now.

**Q: What is recommended for people with a normal result?**

A: Repeat at least every 3 years.

**Q: What is recommended for people with prediabetes?**

A: Follow up every year.

**Q: What is recommended for women who had diabetes in pregnancy?**

A: Test at least every 3 years, for life.

**Q: Which test is used?**

A: Fasting blood sugar or HbA1c.

**Q: What if the result is not normal?**

A: A fasting blood sugar or HbA1c test. A repeat test on another day to confirm. A clinical review and a plan: diet, activity and, if needed, medicine. Checks of blood pressure, eyes, feet and kidneys.

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Blood sugar tests are quick and widely available. My Wellness Health packages include free blood sugar monitoring.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: Not sure what is due for you? The diabetes risk assessment asks about 44 questions: past blood sugar tests, family history, weight and waist, diet and activity, pregnancy history, and conditions and medicines that raise risk such as HIV, TB, steroids and some antipsychotics. It tells you whether a fasting sugar or HbA1c test is due. It costs KES 200. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm) to book what you need at a facility that suits your budget and location.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, Protocols for Management of Selected NCDs at Primary Care (2025)](https://health.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-07/FINAL_NCD%20protocols.pdf)
- [Diabetes and prediabetes in Kenya: Kenya STEPwise survey 2015 (BMC Public Health, 2018)](https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12889-018-6053-x)

## More on this condition

- [Type 2 diabetes: signs, risks and checks in Kenya](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/type-2-diabetes)
- [How to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/type-2-diabetes/prevention)