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Estimate type 2 diabetes risk with the American Diabetes Association Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test point system: age, sex, BMI category, family history, high blood pressure, physical activity, and gestational diabetes history. A total of 5 or more points matches the ADA threshold to discuss A1C or glucose screening — not a diagnosis from a website. See more medical calculators for related tools.
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Total points
5
BMI: 30 (category points: 2)
Age
2
Sex
1
GDM
0
Family
0
BP
0
Inactive
0
BMI cat.
2
A total score of 5 or more matches the ADA Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test threshold for higher risk. Consider discussing formal screening (such as A1C, fasting glucose, or oral glucose tolerance testing) with a healthcare professional. This result is not a diagnosis.
ADA materials state that a score of 5 or higher indicates higher risk for having prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and suggests follow-up testing. Symptoms, pregnancy, steroids, and other conditions are not captured here.
Under 40, active, BMI ~21
0 pts
lower
BMI 20.8
Age 40–49, BP, inactive, BMI ~27
4 pts
increased
BMI 27.2
Age 50–59, male, BMI ~30
5 pts
high
BMI 30
Age 60+, multiple factors
9 pts
high
BMI 33.1
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| Under 40 years | +0 |
| 40–49 years | +1 |
| 50–59 years | +2 |
| 60 years or older | +3 |
| Factor | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sex: male | +1 | Female sex: 0 points (ADA test) |
| History of gestational diabetes (women only) | +1 | Answer yes if ever diagnosed during pregnancy |
| Parent or sibling with diabetes | +1 | First-degree family history |
| Diagnosed high blood pressure | +1 | Or on BP medication for hypertension |
| Physically active | 0 (active) / +1 if inactive | Inactive (no regular activity): +1 point |
| BMI under 25 | +0 | Computed from height and weight |
| BMI 25 to under 30 | +1 | Overweight category |
| BMI 30 to under 40 | +2 | Obesity category |
| BMI 40 or higher | +3 | Severe obesity category |
| Band | Meaning | Educational next step |
|---|---|---|
| Lower (0–2 points) | Fewer ADA risk factors on this questionnaire | Continue routine preventive care; reassess if weight, activity, or symptoms change |
| Increased (3–4 points) | Some risk factors present but below the ADA score-5 screening threshold | Discuss lifestyle (nutrition, activity, weight) and whether earlier screening fits your age and history |
| High (5+ points) | Meets ADA Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test threshold for higher risk | Discuss formal lab screening (A1C, fasting glucose, or OGTT) with a clinician — not self-diagnosis |
The increased (3–4) band is an educational addition on thecalcs.com; the ADA public test emphasizes 5+ for higher-risk screening discussion.
| Test | Diabetes (typical) | Prediabetes (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin A1C | ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) | 5.7–6.4% (39–47 mmol/mol) | Confirmatory repeat or alternate test often required for diagnosis |
| Fasting plasma glucose | ≥ 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) | 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L) | Fasting typically 8+ hours without calories |
| 2-hour OGTT glucose | ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) | 140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L) | 75 g oral glucose tolerance test in lab setting |
| Tool | Purpose | Validated? |
|---|---|---|
| ADA Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test (this page) | Short U.S. patient questionnaire; score ≥5 → discuss screening | Yes — ADA public health tool; we mirror published points |
| FINDRISC (Finnish Diabetes Risk Score) | European 10-year T2D risk estimate; includes waist circumference | Yes — different variables and output than ADA points |
| CANRISK | Canadian adaptation of FINDRISC-style factors | Yes — ethnicity and waist often included |
| USPSTF screening recommendation | Population guidance for adults 35–70 with overweight/obesity | Yes — clinician applies to care; not a point quiz |
Age 40+ adds 1–3 points; male sex adds 1 point in the published ADA questionnaire—reflecting population incidence patterns used when the tool was built, not individual destiny.
BMI tiers match ADA: under 25 (0), 25–29.9 (1), 30–39.9 (2), 40+ (3). Overweight and obesity are the strongest modifiable weights on most adult scores.
First-degree family history, diagnosed hypertension, physical inactivity, and gestational diabetes in women each add 1 point—aligned with the common ADA risk test structure.
If labs show prediabetes, structured lifestyle programs (weight loss, dietary quality, activity) remain first-line for many adults. The NIH Diabetes Prevention Program demonstrated substantial risk reduction with sustained behavior change. Treating sleep apnea, stopping smoking, and managing blood pressure and lipids also lower cardiometabolic risk. Medication decisions belong with your clinician—not this calculator.
Pair questionnaire results with our GMI to A1C calculator if you use CGM, and BMI calculator for standalone body mass index.
Seek urgent care for symptoms of possible diabetic ketoacidosis or severe hyperglycemia (extreme thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, rapid breathing)—not a risk quiz alone.
For Diabetes Awareness Month, workplace wellness, and prediabetes education
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