Healthy eating, activity and avoiding tobacco can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. They do not prevent all forms of diabetes. Individual screening needs depend on personal circumstances and professional assessment. Risk reduction is not guaranteed prevention. Discuss family history, previous pregnancy-related diabetes and other personal risks with a professional. Ask whether screening is appropriate, which test is needed and how to arrange follow-up. Avoid adopting a screening timetable from another country without clinical review. Sustainable changes are more useful than blame or promises of a cure.