š§® Diabetes Risk Calculator
Estimate your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes with a clinically inspired risk scoring tool.
Body Mass Index. You can calculate it using our BMI calculator if you do not know the value.
Based on CDC diabetes risk screening and ADA clinical considerations.
How to Use This Calculator
Gather your measurements
Have your latest BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure readings ready.
Enter lifestyle and history factors
Choose the options that best reflect your activity level, family history, and pregnancy history if applicable.
Review the risk score
Click āCalculate Risk Scoreā and compare your result with the action steps below the score card.
Formula
This calculator adapts the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prediabetes screening test and incorporates additional cardiometabolic risk markers. Points are assigned according to the following decision rules:
- Age: 35-44 years = 1 point, 45-64 years = 2 points, 65+ years = 4 points.
- BMI: 25-29.9 kg/mĀ² = 1 point, 30-39.9 kg/mĀ² = 2 points, 40+ kg/mĀ² = 3 points.
- Waist circumference: Female ā„35 in / Male ā„38 in = 1 point; Female ā„37 in / Male ā„40 in = 2 points.
- Physical inactivity (<150 minutes/week) adds 1 point.
- First-degree family history of diabetes adds 2 points.
- Elevated blood pressure (ā„130/80 mmHg or on medication) adds 2 points.
- History of gestational diabetes adds 1 point (applicable only to females).
Total score 0-4 = low risk, 5-8 = increased risk, 9+ = high risk. These thresholds align with recommendations to prompt fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, or oral glucose tolerance testing.
Full Description
Type 2 diabetes develops gradually, often preceded by years of insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance. Early identification of those at risk enables timely lifestyle interventions and, when needed, medication to delay or prevent progression.
The Diabetes Risk Calculator combines anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist circumference), vital signs (blood pressure), age, physical activity, family history, and pregnancy history to approximate your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. These factors have strong evidence links to impaired glucose metabolism in large epidemiologic studies.
Use this tool to inform conversations with your healthcare provider, not as a standalone diagnostic. Abnormal scores should trigger laboratory screening, evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors, and personalized coaching on nutrition and exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a high score mean I already have diabetes?
No. A high score signals increased likelihood, not a diagnosis. Clinical confirmation requires blood testing such as fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, or an oral glucose tolerance test.
Why is waist circumference included?
Abdominal obesity strongly correlates with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Measuring your waist offers additional insight beyond BMI alone.
Can weight loss reduce my risk score?
Yes. Losing 5-7% of body weight and increasing physical activity can move you to a lower risk category and substantially reduce the chance of progressing to diabetes.
How often should I recalculate?
Reassess annually or after major lifestyle changes. If you receive new lab results or develop hypertension, update the inputs to keep your score current.
What if I am pregnant now?
Pregnant individuals should undergo gestational diabetes screening as recommended by their obstetric provider. This tool is intended for non-pregnant adults evaluating lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes.