Diabetes
Are you at risk?

From Public Health Agency of Canada

The Canadian diabetes
risk questionnaire CANRISK

Welcome to the Public Health Agency of Canada's Canadian diabetes risk questionnaire


Are you at risk of having pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes?


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The Canadian diabetes risk questionnaire

The following questions will help you to find out if you are at higher risk of having pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. You can have pre-diabetes or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes without having any obvious warning signs or symptoms.

Knowing your risk can help you to make healthy choices now that will reduce your risk or even prevent you from developing diabetes.

You will be asked questions about important risk factors for diabetes. These include your age, family history of diabetes, ethnicity, and other factors. You will also be asked to measure your waist circumference.

Please answer the questions as honestly and completely as you can. The answers to these questions are completely confidential and are meant to help you better understand your risks of developing type 2 diabetes. In order to accurately assess your risk, each question must be answered.

This questionnaire is intended primarily mainly for adults aged 40 to 74 years, though it may also be applied to younger persons with apparent risk factors (e.g. overweight or from non-Caucasian ethnic groups).

The Public Health Agency of Canada is not permanently storing or collecting information users provide while completing the CANRISK questionnaire. Any information provided is automatically deleted when the user closes the online session linked to the questionnaire. To protect your personal information when online it is good practice to clear the Web browser cache regularly, delete any search history and protect any printed personal information.

For more information: Government of Canada Privacy Statement.




Next

Are you ...?

Males are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

How old are you?

To select your age on the ruler, click on the button and scroll left or right.

You can also enter your age by typing it in the box.

Under 25
40
50
60
Over 75

As you get older, your risk of developing diabetes goes up.

What is your height and weight?

To calculate your body mass index (BMI) use the graphic below.

First indicate your height, then your weight.

You can use the sliders on the graphics to set your height and weight or, you can enter the information using the boxes. After you have entered the information, calculate your BMI by clicking on the "Calculate BMI" button.

What does BMI mean?

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indicator of body fat based on height and weight. Most adults with a high BMI have a high percentage of body fat and extra body fat is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes.

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Enter your height
 ft.      in.

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 pounds

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Calculate BMI

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes. The more overweight you are, the higher your risk.

Your body mass index is

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), BMI scores of:

  • Below 18.5 = Underweight
  • 18.5 - 24.9 = Normal
  • 25.0 - 29.9 = Overweight/Pre-obese
  • 30.0 and over = Obese

What is your waist circumference?

To help you calculate this, use a tape measure; place it around your waist at the level of your belly button. Breathe out. Do not hold your breath, then measure.

Use the slider on the ruler below which will indicate the appropriate number.

You can also enter the information by typing it in the box.


 in.

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Body fat stored around the abdomen (rather than the hips and thighs) is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

Do you usually do some physical activity such as brisk walking for at least 30 minutes each day?

(This activity can be done while at work or at home)

Increasing physical activity is a key element in controlling weight and reducing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Brisk walking is a great way to become more active, and every step counts. Aim for an average of 30 minutes per day, or 150 minutes per week. Consult your family doctor or health professional before increasing your physical activity level.

How often do you eat vegetables or fruits?

By eating foods that are rich in fibre, reducing the amount of fat and salt in food selections and adding more fruits and vegetables, you can help control your diet and maintain or lose weight. Canada's Food Guide recommends 7 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, depending on your age and sex. Watch your total calories as well as the amount of fat, fibre and salt (sodium).

Have you ever been told by a doctor or nurse that you have high blood pressure?

* If you are not certain about the answer, select "No".

Have you ever taken high blood pressure pills?

* If you are not certain about the answer, select "No".

Diabetes and high blood pressure are often found together. You can decrease your risk of high blood pressure by increasing physical activity, reducing salt and fat in your diet, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco use, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Many people with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes have high blood pressure. Good control of blood pressure can substantially reduce your risk of developing complications.

Have you ever been found to have high blood sugar?

Choose all that apply

A previous test result indicating abnormally high blood sugar may indicate temporary metabolic problems or pre-diabetes. An unusually high blood sugar maybe a warning sign that you are at high risk of developing full-blown diabetes in the future. Women who have had gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy) are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Have you ever given birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds (4.1 kg) or more?

Giving birth to a large infant over 9 pounds (4.1 kg) is related to high maternal weight gain during pregnancy and/or gestational diabetes.

Have any of your blood relatives ever been diagnosed with diabetes?

If you answered yes, check all that apply

Families not only share genes which influence diabetes risk, but also shared culture and lifestyle (e.g. eating together at the same table).

Please select which of the following ethnic groups your biological (blood) parents belong to:

(Your choice of answer must include both parents: Father and Mother)



Certain ethno-cultural groups are at higher risk of developing diabetes. The diabetes risk due to ethnicity cannot be interpreted by itself without also considering the impact of other risk factors on the overall CANRISK score.

What is the highest level of education you have completed?


How education relates to healthy living?

  • An individual's health status improves with level of education.
  • Education improves people's ability to access and understand information to help keep them healthy.
  • Education is closely tied to socioeconomic status, and effective education for children and lifelong learning for adults are key contributors to health.

My risk score

Please complete the quiz to find out your risk score.

My risk score

According to your answers, your estimated risk of having pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes is

Your risk of having pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes is fairly low, though it always pays to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Based on your identified risk factors, your risk of having pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes is moderate. You may wish to consult with a health care practitioner about your risk of developing diabetes.

Based on your identified risk factors, your risk of having pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes is high. You may wish to consult with a health care practitioner to discuss getting your blood sugar tested.

Learn more information about diabetes.

Share this questionnaire with someone you know.

These risk scores are in no way a substitute for actual clinical diagnosis. If you have any concerns, please consider discussing your results with a health care practitioner, (e.g. family doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacist etc).

The Public Health Agency of Canada is not permanently storing or collecting information users provide while completing the CANRISK questionnaire. Any information provided is automatically deleted when the user closes the online session linked to the questionnaire. To protect your personal information when online it is good practice to clear the Web browser cache regularly, delete any search history and protect any printed personal information.

For more information: Government of Canada Privacy Statement.






Back Print version of the questions and answers Restart

More information

Diabetes is a serious chronic disease and uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney disease and other conditions.

While you can't change some factors such as age, gender, family history, and ethno-cultural background, other risk factors for diabetes may respond to lifestyle changes. These include weight, physical activity, diet, and smoking.

If your BMI result is 25 or higher, lowering your weight may help you reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Even a small change in body weight or physical activity can reduce your risk.

Embrace a healthy balanced diet which emphasizes vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. Consult Canada's Food Guide for helpful suggestions.

If you are not active, begin slowly and increase your activity gradually. Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

If you smoke, it's never too late to quit.

Every step you take to improve your health counts!

Thank you for completing the Canadian diabetes risk questionnaire.

Links of interest

These risk scores are in no way a substitute for actual clinical diagnosis. If you have any concerns, please consider discussing your results with a health care practitioner, (e.g. family doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacist etc).

Share the questionnaire

Encourage your friends and family to take the CANRISK questionnaire. You may help prevent someone you care about from developing pre-diabetes or diabetes type 2.

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