Joslin Diabetes Center

Education and Self Care Programs

Diabetes Self-Test

Could You Have Diabetes?

Many Americans have diabetes and don't know it. Some people are at higher risk for the disease such as African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos and American Indians. There are other risk factors, as well.

Take this test prepared by the American Diabetes Association and KNOW YOUR RISK.

For each true statement below, note the corresponding points. If the statement is not true for you, the score is zero. Add up your total score.

My weight is equal to or above that listed in the chart below.	yes = 5 points
I am under 65 years of age and I get little or no exercise during a usual day.	yes = 5 points
I am between 45 and 65 years of age.	yes = 5 points
I am 65 years old or older.	yes = 9 points
I am a woman who has had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth.	yes = 1 point
I have a sister or a brother with diabetes.	yes = 1 point
I have a parent with diabetes.	yes = 1 point
	TOTAL

At Risk Weight Chart
Feet/Inches Without Shoes	Weight in Pounds Wthout Clothing	Feet/Inches Without Shoes	Weight in Pounds Without Clothing
4' 10" 4' 11" 5' 0" 5' 1" 5' 2" 5' 3" 5' 4" 5' 5" 5' 6"	129 133 138 143 147 152 157 162 167	5' 8" 5' 9" 5' 10" 5' 11" 6' 0" 6' 1" 6'2" 6' 3" 6' 4"	177 182 188 193 199 204 210 218 221

If you weigh the same or more than the amount listed for your height, you may be at risk for diabetes. The chart is based on a measure called the Body Mass Index (BMI). The chart shows unhealthy weights for men and women age 35 or older at the listed heights. At-risk weights are lower for individuals under age 35.

Scoring

3-9 points: You are probably at low risk for having diabetes now. But don't just forget about it -- especially if you are African-American, American Indian, Hispanic, Asian American, or Pacific Islander. You may be at higher risk in the future. New guidelines recommend everyone age 45 and over should consider being tested every three years. However, people at high risk should consider being tested at a younger age.

10 or More Points: You are at high risk for having diabetes. Only a doctor can determine if you have diabetes. See a doctor soon and find out for sure.

Diabetes Symptoms

Some people with diabetes have symptoms. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor:

Extreme Thirst
Frequent Urination
Unexplained Weight Loss

This page was last updated on: August 21, 2007.

For appointments or information, call 1-888-JOSLIN8 (1-888-567-5468).