Diabetes UK offers a quick and straightforward online test that helps adults assess their risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next 10 years. This test not only identifies your risk level but also guides you on the necessary steps to reduce it, from maintaining healthy habits to seeking medical advice.
The charity emphasizes the silent nature of type 2 diabetes, warning that many people may have the condition without realizing it. More than 3.2 million people in the UK are currently at risk, diagnosed by elevated blood sugar levels.
To take the test, you must be over 18 and not pregnant, as pregnancy can affect accuracy. You’ll need to provide three key measurements: waist circumference, height, and weight. Additionally, the test considers your age, ethnicity, and family history of diabetes. Completing these seven questions takes only a few minutes.
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Based on your answers, the test classifies your risk into four categories: low, medium, high, and very high. Those in the very high category face a 25% chance (one in four) of developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years. In comparison, the high-risk group has a 10% chance, the medium-risk group about 3%, and the low-risk group just 1%.
If your results indicate medium risk or above, Diabetes UK recommends visiting your GP for a blood test and discussing prevention strategies. You can opt to have your results and a summary letter emailed to you, which can be shared with your healthcare provider.
While factors like age, ethnicity, and family history are beyond your control, the test highlights the importance of waist size and body mass index (BMI) in diabetes risk. For example, a waist measurement over 110cm adds nine points on the risk scale, automatically placing you in the medium-risk group. Conversely, a waist size under 90cm scores zero points.
Similarly, a BMI of 35 or higher contributes eight points, enough to place you in the medium-risk category, while a BMI below 25 adds no points.
Importantly, type 2 diabetes is often preventable. Research shows that adopting a healthy lifestyle—balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining or reaching a healthy weight—can reduce the risk by up to 50%.
Experts advise regularly rechecking your risk, particularly if your weight changes or if you start feeling unwell. It’s also crucial to watch for early symptoms of diabetes, especially if you’re at higher risk due to age, ethnicity, or family history.