Prediabetes risk test (CDC/ADA)
The CDC and American Diabetes Association Prediabetes Risk Test scores seven questions: age, sex, gestational diabetes, family history, high blood pressure, physical activity and weight for your height. A total of 5 or more means you're at increased risk for prediabetes and at high risk for type 2 diabetes. Only a blood test can confirm prediabetes.
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Prediabetes risk test
How the test is scored
Add up the points for each answer. This is the scoring on the official ADA/CDC paper test (CS300699-A), which was adapted from Bang et al. (Annals of Internal Medicine, 2009). The original algorithm was validated without the gestational diabetes question.
| Question | Points |
|---|---|
| 1. How old are you? | Younger than 40 years: 0 · 40–49 years: 1 · 50–59 years: 2 · 60 years or older: 3 |
| 2. Are you a man or a woman? | Man: 1 · Woman: 0 |
| 3. If you are a woman, have you ever been diagnosed with gestational diabetes? | Yes: 1 · No: 0 |
| 4. Do you have a mother, father, sister, or brother with diabetes? | Yes: 1 · No: 0 |
| 5. Have you ever been diagnosed with high blood pressure? | Yes: 1 · No: 0 |
| 6. Are you physically active? | Yes: 0 · No: 1 |
| 7. What is your weight category? | 0 to 3, from the height and weight chart |
Height and weight chart
Find your height, then the column your weight falls in. If you weigh less than the 1 point column, you score 0 for this question. Weights are in pounds (1 kg = 2.2 lb).
| Height | 1 point | 2 points | 3 points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4'10" (147 cm) | 119–142 | 143–190 | 191+ |
| 4'11" (150 cm) | 124–147 | 148–197 | 198+ |
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 128–152 | 153–203 | 204+ |
| 5'1" (155 cm) | 132–157 | 158–210 | 211+ |
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 136–163 | 164–217 | 218+ |
| 5'3" (160 cm) | 141–168 | 169–224 | 225+ |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 145–173 | 174–231 | 232+ |
| 5'5" (165 cm) | 150–179 | 180–239 | 240+ |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 155–185 | 186–246 | 247+ |
| 5'7" (170 cm) | 159–190 | 191–254 | 255+ |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 164–196 | 197–261 | 262+ |
| 5'9" (175 cm) | 169–202 | 203–269 | 270+ |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 174–208 | 209–277 | 278+ |
| 5'11" (180 cm) | 179–214 | 215–285 | 286+ |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 184–220 | 221–293 | 294+ |
| 6'1" (185 cm) | 189–226 | 227–301 | 302+ |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 194–232 | 233–310 | 311+ |
| 6'3" (191 cm) | 200–239 | 240–318 | 319+ |
| 6'4" (193 cm) | 205–245 | 246–327 | 328+ |
What your score means
5 or higher: You are at increased risk for having prediabetes and are at high risk for type 2 diabetes. However, only your doctor can tell for sure if you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Talk to your doctor to see if additional testing is needed.
Under 5: A score under 5 means this test doesn't flag you as high risk right now. Your risk can change as you get older or if your weight changes, so it's worth retaking the test from time to time, and talking to your doctor if you have other concerns.
If you are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander, you are at higher risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Also, if you are Asian American, you are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes at a lower weight (about 15 pounds lower than weights in the 1 Point column). Talk to your doctor to see if you should have your blood sugar tested.
Frequently asked questions
What prediabetes risk score is high?
A score of 5 or higher. According to the CDC and the American Diabetes Association, that means you are at increased risk for having prediabetes and at high risk for type 2 diabetes, and you should talk to your doctor about whether you need a blood test.
Is this the official CDC prediabetes test?
It reproduces the ADA/CDC paper Prediabetes Risk Test (CS300699-A) question for question, with the same points and the same height and weight chart. That test was adapted from a validated diabetes risk score published by Bang and colleagues in 2009. Your answers stay in your browser; this page doesn't send them anywhere.
What if my height isn't on the chart?
The official chart covers heights from 4'10" to 6'4". If you are shorter or taller, the test can't score the weight question, so ask your doctor about your risk instead.
I'm Asian American. Does the weight chart apply to me?
The CDC notes that Asian Americans are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes at a lower weight, about 15 pounds lower than the weights in the 1 Point column. African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander people are also at higher risk overall, so talk to your doctor about testing even if your score is below 5.
How is prediabetes diagnosed?
With a blood test. According to the CDC, an A1C of 5.7% to 6.4%, a fasting blood sugar of 100 to 125 mg/dL, or a 2-hour glucose tolerance test result of 140 to 199 mg/dL is in the prediabetes range.
Can prediabetes be reversed?
The CDC says prediabetes can be reversed, and type 2 diabetes prevented or delayed, through a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program.
Sources
- American Diabetes Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prediabetes Risk Test (CS300699-A), printable version.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About the Prediabetes Risk Test.
- Bang H, Edwards AM, Bomback AS, et al. Development and validation of a patient self-assessment score for diabetes risk. Ann Intern Med. 2009;151(11):775–783.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Diabetes testing.