The FINDRISC Test

Diabetes Academy: Resources and Solutions

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sorin Ioacara Medically reviewed Updated: July 6, 2026 3 min read

Answer the 8 questions below, and the validated FINDRISC questionnaire will estimate your risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next 10 years, without any blood test.

1. 1. How old are you?
2. 2. What is your body mass index (BMI)?

Don’t know your BMI? You can find it with the BMI calculator.

3. 3. What is your waist circumference, measured at the level of the navel?
4. 4. Do you get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day (at work or in your free time)?
5. 5. How often do you eat vegetables or fruit?
6. 6. Do you regularly take medication for high blood pressure?
7. 7. Have you ever been found to have high blood sugar (at a medical check-up, during an illness or in pregnancy)?
8. 8. Does anyone in your family have diabetes (type 1 or type 2)?

The calculation runs in your browser; no data is sent or stored. The result is for information only and does not replace assessment by your doctor.

What is the FINDRISC score?

FINDRISC (Finnish Diabetes Risk Score) is a questionnaire developed and validated in Finland that has become one of the most widely used screening tools for type 2 diabetes in the world. From 8 simple questions about age, weight, waist, lifestyle and history, it produces a score from 0 to 26 that estimates the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next 10 years, without any further tests.

How is the score interpreted?

Below 7 points the risk is low (about 1 in 100 people develop diabetes within 10 years), at 7–11 the risk is slightly increased (about 1 in 25), at 12–14 moderate (about 1 in 6), at 15–20 high (about 1 in 3), and above 20 very high (about 1 in 2). From a score of 12 upwards, it is worth talking to your doctor about having your blood sugar checked.

What can I do if my score is high?

The good news is that type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed. Studies have shown that modest weight loss (5–7% of body weight), regular physical activity and a balanced diet cut the risk by half or even more in people at high risk. The first concrete step is a check-up with your doctor, measuring blood sugar and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c).

How accurate is this test?

FINDRISC is a screening tool, not a diagnostic one. A high score does not mean you have diabetes, and a low score does not rule it out for certain. It has been validated in European populations and works well for identifying those who should be tested. The diagnosis itself is made only through blood tests (blood sugar and HbA1c) interpreted by a doctor.