Q1: Raise one finger if you’re a man – or count in your head, mark a paper, whatever you prefer. (Ladies, none yet.)
Men are more biologically susceptible to type 2 diabetes, even at lower BMI levels than women. If you’re a man, you’re may receive fewer regular checkups than women, causing you to miss critical warning signs.
Q2: If you are over 60, you should raise three more fingers, two if you’re over 50 and one if you’re over 40.
With age comes great wisdom and experience. But as most people know, getting older has its downsides. After age 40 certain health risks increase, as can some unhealthy behaviors which may contribute to prediabetes.
Q3: Add one more finger if you’re not physically active.
Regular exercise helps keep you healthy, but if you forgo it for a more sedentary lifestyle, you could be in trouble down the line. When your body is inactive, it can’t process insulin effectively and may store excess fat, leading to higher blood sugar levels and in some cases, type 2 diabetes.
Eating healthy can help keep your body in good health and prevent type 2 diabetes.
Q4: Does anyone in your family have type 2 diabetes? If so, add one more finger.
Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition caused by both genetic and environmental factors, so if a family member has diabetes, your risk may be greater. This is especially true if one or both of your parents were diagnosed with diabetes before age 50.
Q5: Do you have high blood pressure? Add another finger.
Having high blood pressure is another serious factor that contributes to your overall risk for type 2 diabetes.
Q6: If you’re slightly overweight, raise another finger, two if you’re moderately overweight, and three if you’re very overweight.
There is a strong correlation between weight and type 2 diabetes, and the more overweight you are, the higher your risk is likely to be. Increased weight, particularly around your midsection, can heighten your risk of insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.
That’s it – You’ve just taken the prediabetes risk test. If you’re holding up five or more fingers, there is a good chance you have prediabetes.
Share this page with friends who may also be at risk to empower them to take control of their health. With knowledge and care, we’ll all be one step closer to a healthy, happy future.
