Type 2 Diabetes Risk Calculator
Answer 8 questions to get an estimate of your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Takes under 2 minutes. Based on the validated FINDRISC scoring system used by GPs and NHS diabetes prevention programmes.
Question 1 of 8
1. How old are you?
Risk Score Guide
| Score | Risk Level | Approx. 10-yr risk |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 | Low | 1 in 100 |
| 4–8 | Slightly Elevated | 1 in 25 |
| 9–12 | Moderate | 1 in 6 |
| 13–15 | High | 1 in 3 |
| 16–18 | Very High | 1 in 2 |
* Based on the FINDRISC (Finnish Diabetes Risk Score). Maximum possible score is 18. Validated across multiple large population studies.
Key Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
- Age 45 or over
- BMI over 25 (especially 30+)
- Waist circumference above healthy range
- Physical inactivity (less than 150 min/week)
- Family history (parent or sibling with diabetes)
- History of gestational diabetes or prediabetes
- High blood pressure or BP medication use
- Low dietary fibre / infrequent fruit and vegetables
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can no longer use insulin effectively to control blood sugar. Unlike Type 1, it comes on gradually — often over years — and is closely linked to weight, diet, and activity levels. There are currently over 4.4 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, with many more undiagnosed.
Can It Be Prevented?
For many people, yes. The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme has shown that lifestyle changes reduce risk by up to 50–60% in people with prediabetes. The two most effective steps: losing 5–7% of body weight and getting 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. You can self-refer to the NHS DPP if your GP agrees you meet the criteria.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diabetes is confirmed with a blood test. In the UK, the standard test is HbA1c: 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above indicates diabetes; 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%) indicates prediabetes. A fasting glucose of 7.0 mmol/L or above also confirms the diagnosis. Your GP can arrange this.
Frequently Asked Questions
A high score means you have several risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes — it does not mean you already have it. This is a screening questionnaire, not a diagnosis. Think of it as a nudge to go and get a proper blood test. Your GP can arrange an HbA1c test, which is the gold standard for screening. A 10-minute GP appointment could be one of the most useful things you do this year.
Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. In the UK, that means an HbA1c of 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%). It's not inevitable that it progresses — in fact, research from the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme shows that 50–60% of people with prediabetes can return to normal blood sugar through weight loss and exercise alone. The sooner you act, the better your chances.
Yes — it's one of the most common complications that doesn't get talked about enough. High blood sugar gradually damages blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, including those that control erections. Men with diabetes are 2–3 times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction compared to men without the condition, and it tends to develop 10–15 years earlier. The good news is that tight blood sugar control, regular exercise, and a healthy weight all help preserve sexual function over time.
The tricky thing with type 2 diabetes is that it often has no obvious symptoms — many people are diagnosed only when they have a routine blood test for something else. When symptoms do appear, they typically include:
- Feeling unusually thirsty or needing to urinate more often
- Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Blurred vision
- Cuts or wounds that are slow to heal
- Recurring infections — particularly skin, gum, or urinary tract
- Tingling, numbness, or pins-and-needles in hands or feet
If any of these apply to you — especially alongside a high score here — please book a GP appointment rather than waiting.
Less than you might think. Losing just 5–7% of your body weight — that's 4–6 kg for someone weighing 85 kg — reduces the risk of progressing from prediabetes to full type 2 diabetes by around 58%, according to the original Diabetes Prevention Programme research. Pair that with 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, and the results are even stronger. It doesn't require perfection — it just requires consistency over time.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.