Type 2 Diabetes Risk Score Calculator (FINDRISC)
Estimate your 10-year risk of developing type 2 diabetes using the FINDRISC questionnaire — a validated eight-item screen requiring no blood tests.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Symbol | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 Diabetes Risk Score Calculator (FINDRISC) | — | FINDRISC = sum of 8 weighted risk factors (0–26) | points |
Step-by-Step Examples
38 years, BMI 23, waist 84 cm (male), active daily, eats vegetables daily, no medication, no high glucose, no family history.
- Every item scores 0
- Total = 0
52 years, BMI 28, waist 98 cm (male), not active daily, vegetables most days, on BP medication, no high glucose, grandparent with diabetes.
- Age 45–54 → 2, BMI 25–30 → 1
- Waist 94–102 → 3, inactive → 2
- Vegetables not daily → 1, BP medication → 2
- Extended family history → 3
- Total = 14
61 years, BMI 33, waist 108 cm (male), inactive, vegetables not daily, on BP medication, previous high glucose, sibling with diabetes.
- Age 55–64 → 3, BMI over 30 → 3
- Waist over 102 → 4, inactive → 2
- Vegetables not daily → 1, BP medication → 2
- Previous high glucose → 5, immediate family → 5
- Total = 25
Real-World Applications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
FINDRISC estimates future risk. It cannot detect existing diabetes — that requires a fasting glucose, A1C, or glucose tolerance test.
Waist cutoffs differ between populations, and applying European thresholds to South Asian or East Asian populations underestimates risk.
Physical activity, dietary change, and weight loss all move multiple components. Diabetes prevention trials have shown substantial risk reduction from lifestyle intervention.