We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Diabetes Risk Test?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,812
Share

A diabetes risk test is a quick screening to determine a person's risk of having or developing diabetes. A number of online self assessment tools are available for people concerned about their health, and such tests can also be administered in a doctor's office. This testing consists of a series of questions designed to identify risk factors. Additional screening, such as a blood glucose test and a full medical evaluation, may be recommended for people whose answers indicate they have a high diabetes risk.

In a diabetes risk test, people answer questions about common risk factors including age, gender, weight, height, family history, and racial background. Further questions determine the test-taker's activity level and may ask questions about diabetes symptoms to see if the patient is at risk of undiagnosed diabetes. A score is computed on the basis of how the person answers to assess diabetes risk.

People who appear to be at low risk for diabetes, according to the test, are generally advised to maintain good habits and receive regular medical checkups so that any medical issues can be identified early. People with moderate diabetes risk test results may be told to change diet and exercise habits, or to consider monitoring by their doctors if they cannot make lifestyle adjustments to lower diabetes risk. For high risk test scores, more medical evaluation may be needed to see if the patient is developing pre-diabetes or diabetes. The outcome of additional testing will determine what steps to take next.

Growing concern about diabetes in the early 21st century led a number of doctors to screen patients for diabetes risks during annual examinations, and diabetes risk test screenings were also used in schools to identify children who needed additional medical attention. Spotting people at risk of chronic and incurable conditions like diabetes early, before those conditions onset, can help prevent disease or provide people with early treatment, before a disease causes irreversible complications like organ or nerve damage.

Self-assessment with tools like a diabetes risk test can be very helpful for many patients, but it is important to be aware that such tests do not replace doctor's visits. People who are experiencing health problems should see a doctor for evaluation. Everybody is slightly different, and while such tests can identify broad statistical risks, they are not tailored to the individual and it is possible to miss risks or a diagnosis with a self assessment.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-diabetes-risk-test.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.