Could you have diabetes and not know it?
According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 20.8 million Americans with diabetes and nearly one-third of them (or 6.2 million people) don’t know it! Take this test to see if you are at risk for having diabetes. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. If you are a member of one of these ethnic groups, you need to pay special attention to this test.
To find out if you are at risk, take the American Diabetes Association Risk Test. Record the points next to each statement that is true for you. If a statement is not true, record a “0.” Then add all the points to get your total score.
| Yes | No | ||
| 1. My weight is equal to or above that listed in the chart below? | 5 pts | 0 pts | |
| 2. I am under 65 years of age and I get little or no exercise during a usual day? |
5 pts | 0 pts | |
| 3. I am between 45 and 64 years of age? | 5 pts | 0 pts | |
| 4. I am 65 years or older? | 9 pts | 0 pts | |
| 5. I am a woman who has had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth? |
1 pt | 0 pts | |
| 6. I have a sister or brother with diabetes? | 1 pt | 0 pts | |
| 7. I have a parent with diabetes? | 1 pt | 0 pts |
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 Hispanic/Latino, African American, American Indian, Asian American or Pacific Islander. You may be at higher risk in the future.
Scoring 10 or More Points
You are at greater risk for having diabetes. Only your health care provider can determine if you have diabetes. At your next office visit, find out for sure.
At Risk Weight Chart Body Mass Index
|
Height in Feet and Inches without Shoes |
Weight in Pounds without Clothing |
|
4’10” |
129 |
|
4’11” |
133 |
|
5’0” |
138 |
|
5’1” |
143 |
|
5’2” |
147 |
|
5’3” |
152 |
|
5’4” |
157 |
|
5’5” |
162 |
|
5’6” |
167 |
|
5’7” |
172 |
|
5’8” |
177 |
|
5’9” |
182 |
|
5’10” |
188 |
|
5’11” |
192 |
|
6’0” |
199 |
|
6’1” |
204 |
|
6’2” |
210 |
|
6’3” |
216 |
|
6’4” |
221 |
If you weight the same or more than the amount listed for your height, you may be at risk for diabetes.
Diabetes Facts You Should Know
Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and amputation. It kills almost 210,000 people each year.
Some people with diabetes exhibit symptoms, while some do not. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor.
For more information on diabetes, call 1-800-DIABETES.
To information contained in this website is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and Steps to a HealthierPA-Fayette County recommends consultation with your doctor or health care professional.
Source: American Diabetes Association; Copyright © 2006 American Diabetes Association from www.diabetes.org. Reprinted with permission from The American Diabetes Association.