Diabetes Risk Test

“Just because you’re not sick doesn’t mean you’re Healthy”

Hello everyone!

This is the third post in the Diabetes series, and in this post we’ll talk about the Risk Factors of Diabetes and whether you are at risk or not. 

Are you at risk?

There are many factors that increase your risk for diabetes. To find out about your risk, note each item on this list that applies to you.

§  I am 45 years of age or older.

 

§  The At-Risk Weight Chart shows my current weight puts me at risk.

 

§  I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.

 

§  My family background is African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American or Pacific Islander.

 

§  I have had diabetes while I was pregnant (this is called gestational diabetes) or I gave birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more.

 

§  I have been told that my blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are higher than normal.

 

§  My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, or I have been told that I have high blood pressure.

 

§  My cholesterol (lipid) levels are not normal. My HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) is less than 35 or my triglyceride level is higher than 250.

 

§  I am fairly inactive. I am physically active less than three times a week.

 

§  I have been told that I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

 

§  The skin around my neck or in my armpits appears dirty no matter how much I scrub it. The skin appears dark, thick and velvety. This is called acanthosis nigricans.

 

§  I have been told that I have blood vessel problems affecting my heart, brain, or legs.

If you have any of the items above, be sure to talk with your health care team about your risk for diabetes and whether you should be tested.

Diabetes Risk Test

One in four Americans with diabetes is undiagnosed. Could you be one of the 7 million Americans who has diabetes and doesn’t know it? Take the test and learn more about your risk for getting type 2 diabetes.





Adapted From: American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Risk Test (Click on Image to enlarge).

The Higher Your Score, The Higher Your Risk.

§  If you scored 5 or more: You are at increased risk for having type 2 diabetes. Talk to your health care provider about simple blood tests to check for diabetes or prediabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent or delay heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and other health problems.

 

§  If you scored below 5: Even if your score was below 5, you may be at increased risk for having prediabetes. Talk to your health care team about getting tested, particularly if you are over 45, overweight, or have a family member with diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans and people with African ancestry, Hispanics and Latinos, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. NDEP has special information for these groups.