Why Should I Do a Diabetes Risk Assessment?

1 in 3 of us is at risk for Diabetes.

ARE YOU AT RISK?

Diabetes is a disease in which blood sugar levels are above normal. You can prevent or delay the development of diabetes by taking ActionNow!

ASSESS YOUR RISK!

You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting diabetes. Exercising regularly, eating in a healthy way, and losing weight can all help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Why should you do the following activity?

There are nearly 21 million Americans with diabetes - and nearly one-third don't know it! Take the Risk Assessment Test to see if you may be at risk for having or developing diabetes. Diabetes can lead to blindness, stroke, heart attack, and many other serious health problems. Diabetes is more common among African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders. If you are a member of one of these groups, you should pay special attention to your risk estimate and do all you can to lower it. In Nebraska, 1 in 3 are at risk of developing diabetes in their lifetime.

To find out if you are at risk, complete the Diabetes Risk Assessment, either online or download and print it to do at your own pace. If you score more than 10 points and have not already discussed your personal chances of getting diabetes with your healthcare provider, you should make an appointment and ask what actions you need to be taking now that can help you prevent diabetes.

Whatever you score is, take ActionNow! for a long and healthy life!

To find out if you are at risk, answer the following questions by putting a check in the box if the statement is true for you. Leave the box blank, if the question is NOT true for you. Then click the CALCULATE button to view your score.

Are you at risk for diabetes?

I am a woman who had a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth.

I have a sister or brother with diabetes.

I have a parent with diabetes.

I am less than 65 years of age and I get little or no exercise.

I am less than 45 years of age.
I am between 45 and 64 years of age.
I am 65 years old or older.

Weight in pounds: Height in feet: inches:

Your Score:

0 - 2

Very Low Risk

3 - 9

Low to Medium Risk

10+

High Risk

What do the Diabetes Risk Test results mean?

VERY LOW RISK (0 – 2 points)

If your score is between 0 and 2 points, this means you currently have a low risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Keep your risk low by taking the following actions:

Stay active most days of the week. Keep your weight at a healthy level or lose weight if you are overweight.
Eat low-fat meals that are high in fiber and in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.

LOW TO MEDIUM RISK (3 – 9 points)

If your score is between 3 and 9 points, this means your risk of developing type 2 diabetes is low to medium. Please re-take a risk assessment test every few years. Although anyone may be at higher risk in the future, this is especially true if you are Hispanic, African American, Asian American, Native American, a Pacific Islander, or have other risk factors for diabetes. At your next office visit, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider about your risk for diabetes and what you can do to reduce that risk by taking ActionNow!Meanwhile, you can keep your risk low by taking the following actions:

Stay active most days of the week. Keep your weight at a healthy level or lose weight if you are overweight.
Eat low-fat meals that are high in fiber and in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.

HIGH RISK (10 or more points)

If you scored 10 or more points, this means that you are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Only a qualified healthcare provider can determine if you do or do not have diabetes. If you have not already discussed your personal risks of diabetes with your doctor, you should make an appointment to do so soon. At your next office visit, share with them the results of this Diabetes Risk Test and ask how you can find out more about diabetes prevention and what actions you should take now for better lifelong health.

Meanwhile, you, and everyone, can reduce the risk for diabetes by taking the following actions:

Stay active most days of the week. Keep your weight at a healthy level or lose weight if you are overweight.
Eat low-fat meals that are high in fiber and in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.

For more diabetes information, call (402) 434-7170 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. (Central Time) or 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Eastern Time).

Here are some other topics at www.diabetes.org that might interest you:

What is pre-diabetes and what can I do to prevent it? www.diabetes.org/pre-diabetes.jsp What is type 2 diabetes and who is at risk? www.diabetes.org/type-2-diabetes.jsp
The Basics of Eating Healthy. Although this area contains some information specifically for people with diabetes, the basics of good nutrition are important for everyone. Click on www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/overview.jsp to get the basics.

All information contained in this ActionNow! website is not to be used as a substitute for sound medical advice or treatment. As always, it is important to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional about all matters that relate to your personal health.