The Two Minute Diabetes Test

Shockingly often, doctors miss opportunities to test people at high risk for diabetes. According to the Australian Diabetes Obesity and Lifestyle Study, an estimated two million Australians with pre-diabetes don’t know it. And 750,000 more live with undiagnosed diabetes. The following test will help you gauge your risk over the next five years.

HOME CHECK - Add up your score.

1. Your age? (35-44, 2 points; 45–54, 4 points; 55–64, 6 points; 65 or older, 8 points)
2. Male? (3 points)
3. Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander or Maori, or born in Asia? (2 points)
4. A parent or sibling has been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes? (3 points)
5. Have you ever been tested for high blood sugar (for example, during a health exam, illness or pregnancy)? (6 points)
6. On high blood pressure medication? (2 points)
7. Smoke cigarettes or other tobacco products daily? (2 points)
8. Don’t eat vegetables or fruit? (Every day 1 point)
9. Exercise for less than 2½ hours a week, on average? (2 points)
10. Waist measurement (at the level of the navel, while standing) is male: (102-110cm, 4 points; over 110cm, 7 points); female: (88-100cm, 4 points; over 100cm, 7 points).

YOUR NEXT STEP -  If your total score is 15 or more, you have a high risk of developing diabetes. Speak to your doctor and consider modifying your lifestyle.