What is the Type 2 Diabetes Risk tool?
The Type 2 Diabetes Risk tool is an AI-powered clinical risk assessment that scores your 10-year risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Simply complete your health profile, if you haven't already done so when you signed up. Once we have all your required attributes we will calculate your score and provide you with your risk profile. Knowing your risks allows you to take action to reduce your chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes, such as changing your diet or increasing exercise to lose weight.
Each time you update your health profile, your risk may change. This will help you monitor the impact of any changes you have made such as exercise or dietary changes.
Do I need to pay to use the Type 2 Diabetes Risk tool?
No. The tool is free to use after you have created a NowPatient account.
What do I need to do to get my Type 2 Diabetes Risk score?
NowPatient uses the data in your health profile to automatically determine your risk. If you health profile is not up to date, you can select The Type 2 Diabetes Risk tool on your dashboard and complete the assessment manually. The Type 2 Diabetes Risk tool uses the following special category data:
Age
BMI
Physical activity
Vegetable & fruit intake
Medical treatment of hypertension
History of hyperglycemia
Family history
What do the risk scores mean?
Score | Risk Category | What to do |
0-7 Points | Very Low Risk | You only have a 1% chance of developing diabetes in the next 10 years. You are classed as very low risk and do not need to take any action, however, you can discuss this with your doctor at your next appointment |
7-11 Points | Low Risk | You only have a 4% chance of developing diabetes in the next 10 years. You are classed as low risk and you do not need to take any action, however, you can discuss this with your doctor at your next appointment |
12-14 Points | Moderate Risk | You have a 17% chance of developing diabetes in the next 10 years. You are classed as moderate risk. Making changes to diet and exercising or increase activity, can reduce your chances of developing diabetes in the future.
It is very important that you speak to your doctor about having a blood test for diabetes as you can have type 2 diabetes for years without knowing. Also, ask your doctor about programmes and services that could help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. These services will be different depending on where you live. |
15-20 Points | High Risk | You have a 33% chance of developing diabetes in the next 10 years. You are classed as high risk. Making changes to diet and exercising or increase activity, can reduce your chances of developing diabetes in the future.
It is very important that you speak to your doctor about having a blood test for diabetes as you can have type 2 diabetes for years without knowing. Also, ask your doctor about programmes and services that could help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. These services will be different depending on where you live.
If you are an NHS patient, You should go for a regular diabetes check-up once a year to check your blood pressure and cholesterol (blood fats) levels. |
21-30 Points | Very High Risk | You have a 50% chance of developing diabetes in the next 10 years. You are classed as very high risk. Making changes to diet and exercising or increase activity, can reduce your chances of developing diabetes in the future.
It is very important that you speak to your doctor about having a blood test for diabetes as you can have type 2 diabetes for years without knowing. Also, ask your doctor about programmes and services that could help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. These services will be different depending on where you live.
If you are an NHS patient, You should go for a regular diabetes check-up once a year to check your blood pressure and cholesterol (blood fats) levels. |
How do I know if the results generated by the Type 2 Diabetes Risk tool can be relied upon?
NowPatient uses the FINDRISC (Finnish Diabetes Risk Score) method to evaluate your risk. It identifies your 10-year risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. It requires no laboratory testing and has been scientifically validated in multiple populations.
Who developed the FINDRISC method?
The FINDRISC method was designed by Lindström and Tuomilehto in 2003. NowPatient’s Type 2 Diabetes Risk tool has been developed with the permission of Jaana Lindström, one of the inventors of the method.
What should I do if my score puts me at risk of developing diabetes?
If the Type 2 Diabetes Risk tool puts you ‘at risk’ of developing diabetes, It is very important that you speak to your doctor about having a blood test for diabetes as you could have type 2 diabetes for years without knowing.
Also, ask your doctor about programs and services that could help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. These services will be different depending on where you live.
Does a high risk score definitely mean I will develop Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
The scores only predict the likelihood of you developing Type 2 Diabetes. It does not mean you will definitely develop the condition. Early risk-based interventions and lifestyle changes could mean that you can reduce your risks of developing the condition.
What are the signs of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus that I should know about?
Toilet - going for a wee a lot, especially at night.
Thirsty - being really thirsty.
Tired - feeling more tired than usual.
Thinner - losing weight without trying to.
Genital itching or thrush.
Cuts and wounds take longer to heal.
Blurred eyesight
Increased hunger.