Diabetes Risk Factor Checker

July 15, 2026

Diabetes Risk Factor Checker

Tick anything that applies to you. This gives a general indication only, based on published research, not a diagnosis. For a personalised estimate, use the QDiabetes tool or book a consultation. Prefer to read the fuller picture first? See Know Your Risk Factors For Developing Diabetes.

Know Your Risk Factors For Developing Diabetes

Tick anything that applies to you. This gives a general indication only, based on published research, not a diagnosis. For a personalised estimate, use the QDiabetes tool or book a consultation.

Age Aged 45 or overConfidence: High

Ethnicity South Asian ethnicity (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan or other South Asian background)Confidence: High Black or African Caribbean ethnicityConfidence: High

Genetics 2 or more close relatives with type 2 diabetesConfidence: High 1 close relative with type 2 diabetesConfidence: High

Socio Economic Status Low education level (did not continue education beyond secondary school)Confidence: High Low household incomeConfidence: High Living in a deprived areaConfidence: Moderate to high

Lifestyle Very inactive, little regular exerciseConfidence: Moderate to high Sedentary work, mostly sitting during working hours (e.g. desk based work or driving)Confidence: Moderate to high Heavy smokingConfidence: High Any current smokingConfidence: High Poor sleep qualityConfidence: Moderate Short sleep, under 6 hours a nightConfidence: Moderate Diet high in ultra processed foodConfidence: Moderate to high Regular sugary drinksConfidence: High

Clinical And Reproductive History PCOSConfidence: High History of gestational diabetes (diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy, usually resolving after birth)Confidence: High Moderate to severe untreated sleep apnoeaConfidence: Moderate

Metabolic Trait Obesity, BMI above 35Confidence: High Overweight, not yet obeseConfidence: High

Environmental Exposure

Industrial pollutants and BPA are chemicals found in some workplaces, plastics and food packaging. The examples below show where people usually come into contact with them.

Work involves regular contact with industrial chemicals (e.g. factory, chemical plant or waste processing work)Confidence: Moderate Regular occupational or agricultural pesticide exposure (e.g. farming, gardening or pest control work)Confidence: Moderate Living close to heavy industry or a waste siteConfidence: Moderate BPA (a chemical used to make some plastics and can linings): regularly eat food or drink from tins, cans, or plastic bottlesConfidence: Moderate BPA: regularly microwave or heat food in plastic containersConfidence: Moderate BPA: frequently handle till or receipt paper (e.g. in retail or hospitality work)Confidence: Moderate

Psychosocial Ongoing high strain job (high demands with little control over how or when the work is done, e.g. tight deadlines, shift work, or limited say in your own workload)Confidence: Low to moderate General chronic stressConfidence: Low

0 risk factors selected

Low likely risk category

Tick the boxes above that apply to you to see your category.

This is a general guide, not a diagnosis. Book a consultation to talk through your personal risk.

This tool gives an illustrative category only, based on published research on group level risk. It does not calculate your individual probability of developing diabetes and should not be used as a diagnostic tool. For a validated personal estimate, use the QDiabetes calculator. If you are concerned about your risk, please book a consultation with Dr Imran Mughal, Private Specialist GP, IM Clinic.