DIABETES RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL
What is your gender?
How old are you?
Age
This is because Body Mass Index (BMI) results are interpreted differently for children and young people so your risk of type 2 diabetes will not be accurate.
If you're worried about your risk of type 2 diabetes or your children's risk, please discuss with a healthcare professional.
What is your ethnicity?
Do you have any relatives with diabetes?
How to measure your waist:
Top of hip bone
Use a piece of string to wrap around your middle and then measure this against a ruler or a metal tape measure.
What is your Body Mass Index (BMI)?
How tall are you?
How much do you weigh?
Has a doctor ever told you that you have high blood pressure, or given you medication for it?
What is your daily activity level?
Mostly sitting/desk work
Some walking/light exercise
Regular exercise 3-4x/week
Daily intense exercise
Your risk is Medium
0 - 6
7 - 15
16 - 24
25 - 47
What to do now?
You can't change your age or your genes. But if your risk is partly due to your lifestyle, a few small changes can make a big difference. See below for where you're scoring points and to see if you can make any changes.
Your risk score (0) explained
These are the risk factors that you can't change, so focus on the things that you can change or maintain.
These are the risk factors that you can change. Even small changes can help reduce your risk.
Clinical Note: This tool provides a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 60%. The positive predictive value is 17% with a negative predictive value of 95%. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation.
Understanding your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health. With the growing prevalence of diabetes in the UK and globally, early detection and prevention are more critical than ever. That’s why Aspedan has developed the Diabetes Risk Assessment Calculator, a scientifically-backed, user-friendly tool that helps you evaluate your personal risk factors and gain actionable insights. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how this tool works, why it matters, and how it can support your long-term health journey.
What is the Diabetes Risk Assessment Calculator?
The Diabetes Risk Assessment Calculator is a free, interactive tool designed to help adults determine their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes within the next 10 years. Unlike generic online quizzes, this tool is built on medical research and considers multiple well-established risk factors, including age, BMI (Body Mass Index), ethnicity, family history, and lifestyle habits. It doesn’t require blood tests or personal login details, making it both secure and non-invasive.
At Aspedan, we aim to make preventative healthcare more accessible. This tool allows users to self-assess their risk in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re concerned about your health, want to make lifestyle improvements, or simply wish to stay informed, this calculator offers valuable guidance backed by public health data and clinical logic.
How It Works
Our Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool guides you through eight easy steps, each one collecting specific information that contributes to your overall diabetes risk score. The questions range from your gender and age, to more personalised metrics such as waist size and BMI. The tool also allows you to input your height and weight in either metric or imperial units, offering flexibility and ease of use.
Each response is scored based on scientific risk algorithms used in clinical settings. For instance, being aged 60 or over significantly increases your risk, as does a family history of diabetes or being from an ethnic background with a higher predisposition. Your final score is then translated into a risk level, Low, Medium, High, or Very High, providing you with a clear understanding of where you stand.
Aspedan ensures that the tool’s interface is intuitive, mobile-friendly, and educational, with explanations for why each question matters. It’s designed not just to assess, but also to educate and empower.
The Growing Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
According to the NHS and Diabetes UK, over 4.3 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, and 90% of those have Type 2 diabetes. Even more concerning is the estimated 850,000 people who are undiagnosed, and millions more who fall into the category of pre-diabetes, meaning they are at high risk without even knowing it.
Type 2 diabetes is linked to serious complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision problems. However, it’s largely preventable through early intervention and lifestyle changes. This is why tools like the Diabetes Risk Assessment Calculator by Aspedan are not just convenient, but potentially life-saving. By assessing your risk today, you could be preventing long-term damage tomorrow.
Risk Factor | Impact on Diabetes Risk |
Age (60+) | 3–4x higher risk |
Obesity (BMI >30) | 5x higher risk |
Sedentary Lifestyle | Doubles the risk |
Ethnic background | Some groups 2x–6x higher |
Family History | 2x–3x higher risk |
Who Should Use This Tool?
The Diabetes Risk Assessment Calculator is ideal for adults aged 18 and over, particularly those who may not yet exhibit symptoms but possess one or more risk factors. If you’ve ever asked yourself questions like, “Am I at risk for diabetes?” or “Should I get tested?”, this tool is a perfect first step. It’s also highly useful for those with a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, elevated blood pressure, or family history of diabetes.
While it’s not a substitute for clinical diagnosis, it’s a highly informative screening tool that offers clarity and direction. Parents concerned about their children’s health, however, should consult a doctor, as BMI standards for children differ significantly from adults.
If you’re in doubt, remember: understanding your risk doesn’t just help you—it can also help protect your loved ones through shared awareness and lifestyle changes.
Key Features of the Aspedan Risk Calculator
Unlike generic calculators, the Aspedan Diabetes Risk Assessment Calculator is built for both accuracy and usability. The underlying logic adheres to evidence-based criteria, allowing it to assign scores that reflect real-world clinical risk. Below are some of its unique features:
- Comprehensive Input Fields: Includes waist circumference, BMI, ethnicity, and lifestyle habits.
- Dynamic Scoring System: Adjusts based on unit types and gender-specific risk values.
- Responsive Design: Fully optimised for mobile, tablet, and desktop users.
- Clear Visual Feedback: Users can track their step-by-step progress and understand risk levels with colour-coded outputs.
- Immediate Results: Upon completion, the tool displays a risk category with personalised guidance on what steps to take next.
This combination of personalisation, precision, and educational value makes it a reliable companion for anyone taking their first steps toward diabetes prevention.
Understanding Your Risk Level
Once you complete the assessment, your score will place you into one of the following categories:
Score Range | Risk Level | Explanation |
0–6 | Low | Minimal risk, maintain healthy lifestyle |
7–15 | Medium | Elevated risk, consider lifestyle improvements |
16–24 | High | Significant risk, medical consultation recommended |
25–47 | Very High | Immediate action required; seek professional advice |
Each result comes with a risk explanation such as, “1 in 10 people with your risk will get Type 2 diabetes in 10 years.” More importantly, it categorises your risk factors into those you can change (like physical activity) and those you can’t (like age or genetics). This empowers you to take meaningful, proactive steps.
At Aspedan, we believe knowledge is power. Understanding not just your score but also the why behind it is crucial to long-term health management.
What To Do After Knowing Your Risk
Knowing your diabetes risk score is the beginning, not the end. If your results fall into the medium to very high category, it’s essential to act swiftly. Start by discussing your results with a GP or diabetes specialist. They may recommend further testing, such as HbA1c blood tests, or suggest referrals to dietitians and wellness coaches.
Additionally, lifestyle interventions such as:
- Adopting a Mediterranean or low-GI diet
- Increasing physical activity
- Losing just 5–10% of body weight
can drastically lower your risk. For example, research shows that moderate weight loss and regular exercise can reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by up to 58% in people with prediabetes.
If you score in the low-risk category, don’t become complacent. Continue making smart lifestyle choices and re-assess your risk every 12 months or after major health or lifestyle changes.
Data Privacy and Medical Disclaimer
Your privacy matters. Aspedan does not collect or store any personal health data entered into the Diabetes Risk Assessment Calculator. All calculations happen in your browser, ensuring your data stays private.
This tool is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re concerned about your risk or have symptoms of diabetes (such as frequent urination, extreme thirst, or fatigue), consult a licensed healthcare provider immediately.
About Aspedan
Aspedan is a health innovation platform dedicated to simplifying complex health concepts and delivering user-friendly tools that promote preventive care and well-being. Our mission is to provide medically accurate, easy-to-use resources like the Diabetes Risk Assessment Calculator, helping individuals make informed decisions about their health.
Whether you’re a concerned individual, a healthcare worker, or someone managing chronic risk factors, Aspedan is here to guide you towards smarter living.
Take the First Step Towards Better Health
Don’t wait for symptoms. Use the Aspedan Diabetes Risk Assessment Calculator today to check your risk, learn what it means, and take action before it’s too late. Prevention starts with awareness, and awareness starts here.