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Diabetes Risk Test

Do you suspect diabetes? On this page, we explain the factors that increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You can also take the diabetes risk test.

Take the test

Many People Have Diabetes without Knowing It

According to the Finnish Diabetes Association, about 400,000 people in Finland have type 2 diabetes and about 50,000 have type 1 diabetes. However, an estimated 100,000 Finns have undiagnosed diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common worldwide, and increasingly younger people are developing it. However, it can be prevented and delayed by following a healthy lifestyle. Generally, exercise, a healthy diet, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight help prevent diabetes.

Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition where blood sugar rises and pancreatic function is impaired so that it doesn’t produce enough or any insulin. The body’s sensitivity to insulin effects may also be reduced.

Type 1 Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, no insulin is produced in the body at all. It is treated with insulin therapy either by injections or pump. It usually develops before the age of 40, which is why it was previously called juvenile diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

Develops slowly and is often detected by chance or, for example, after the diagnosis of vascular disease. Type 2 diabetes can also be managed through exercise and proper diet. If necessary, medication is introduced. The age of onset is usually after 30-40 years.

Do you suspect diabetes? Watch out for these symptoms

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes are easier to detect, and include increased urination, feeling of thirst, weight loss, and fatigue.

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is difficult to identify and usually develops slowly.

The following symptoms may be signs of type 2 diabetes:

  • feeling tired after eating
  • general fatigue
  • depression and irritability
  • pain in the legs
  • muscle cramps
  • impaired vision
  • susceptibility to infections

Diabetes can also cause additional diseases if blood sugar is elevated for a long time: nerve changes, kidney changes, vascular diseases, foot problems, and oral and dental diseases.

Especially those with undiagnosed diabetes may have already experienced these changes and diseases, as diabetes may have been affecting them for years. The following factors particularly contribute to the increase in additional diseases:

  • elevated blood sugar
  • high blood pressure
  • elevated blood lipid levels
  • smoking
  • genetic factors

If you have a family history of diabetes or your body mass index is high, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is increased. Gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) also indicate an increased risk of diabetes.

Check your risk level easily with Painoklinikka’s diabetes risk test.

The BMI calculator helps you calculate your body mass index so you can fill out the risk analysis information carefully.

Diabetes Risk Test
1. Your age?
2. Body Mass Index
If you do not know your BMI, you can calculate it at www.painoklinikka.fi/bmi-laskuri.
3. Measure your waist circumference just below the rib cage (usually at navel level)
If you do not know your BMI, you can calculate it at www.painoklinikka.fi/bmi-laskuri.
4. Do you usually get at least half an hour of physical activity each day at work and/or during leisure time, including everyday activity?
If you do not know your BMI, you can calculate it at www.painoklinikka.fi/bmi-laskuri.
5. How often do you eat vegetables, fruit or berries?
6. Have you ever used blood pressure medication regularly?
7. Has your blood sugar ever been found to be elevated (e.g., in a health check, in connection with an illness, during pregnancy)?
8. Have your family members or relatives been diagnosed with diabetes (type 1 or type 2)?