Diabetes Risk Test
Answer a few simple questions to estimate your risk of type 2 diabetes. The test does not diagnose diabetes, but it tells you whether you should have a blood test.
Calculator
This result is an educational estimate, not a diagnosis. Ask your doctor to interpret it.
What does this mean?
Advice for you
How does this calculator work?
The test is based on the core risk factors in the American Diabetes Association risk test: age, sex, weight, family history, blood pressure, physical activity and gestational diabetes. We added a prediabetes diagnosis with extra weight because it is the strongest predictor of developing diabetes.
- 0–4 points: low risk
- 5–8 points: moderate risk — testing is recommended
- 9–12 points: high risk
- 13 or more: very high risk
Diabetes rates are very high in the Gulf, so many doctors recommend earlier screening — even before 35 — when risk factors are present.
Scientific sources
- Bang H, et al. Development and validation of a patient self-assessment score for diabetes risk. Ann Intern Med. 2009;151(11):775–783.
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes — 2. Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes.
- Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. N Engl J Med. 2002;346:393–403.
Frequently asked questions
Does high risk mean I have diabetes?
No. It means you are more likely to develop it, and you need a blood test to check.
Which test should I ask my doctor for?
HbA1c or a fasting blood glucose. An HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4% means prediabetes.
Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
Often, yes. Losing 5–7% of your weight with 150 minutes of activity a week cuts the risk by about 58%.
Is the test suitable for under-18s?
No, it is designed for adults. For children at risk, ask a paediatrician.