Diabetes Risk Scores: What the Points Mean
Risk scores turn a handful of factors into one prompt. This post explains the points, the bands, and the limits of self-checks.
What is the Diabetes Risk Checker?
This checker adds points for age band, weight band, family history, and activity level, then groups the total into lower, moderate, or higher risk bands. It is a screening-style prompt to talk with a clinician, not a diagnosis and not a substitute for a blood test. This tool is not medical advice.
How to use it
- Choose your age band and weight band.
- Answer the family history and activity questions.
- Click Check Risk Band.
Worked example
Under 45, healthy weight, no family history, and active most days scores 0 points, in the lower band.
Does a higher band mean I have diabetes?
No. It means risk factors are present and a clinician's check, including a blood test, is worth discussing.
Frequently asked questions
What raises the score most?
Older age, higher weight band, and a close family history each add the most points here.
Can I lower my band?
Weight and activity are the changeable factors in this score, and both respond to steady lifestyle changes.