Do I Have Diabetes? Quiz: 9 Symptom Questions And Next Steps

Diabetes is a manageable condition, but left untreated it can cause serious harm. Below, we have a few simple questions to help you identify any of the tell-tale signs of high blood sugar levels that could indicate diabetes. This quiz is designed to raise awareness and guide you on whether to seek medical advice promptly.

Patient does not store any of your personal or medical data in association with your quiz answers. All responses are completely anonymous.

In this article:

• About diabetes
• Who are these questions for?
• Who is more likely to develop diabetes?
• Might I have diabetes and not realise?
• What does the test consist of?
• How accurate is it?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About diabetes

Diabetes is on the rise globally, with more than 5 million adults diagnosed in the UK alone, according to Diabetes UK. This chronic condition occurs when blood glucose levels become too high due to problems with insulin production or use. There are two primary types: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes affects around 1 in 10 people with diabetes. It is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production. Type 1 typically develops in children or young adults and requires lifelong insulin therapy.

Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 9 out of 10 cases, is more common in adults over 40 but is increasingly seen in younger people, including children. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough. Risk factors include poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, family history, and certain ethnic backgrounds.

Untreated diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, and nerve damage. Early detection and management through lifestyle changes, medication, or insulin are crucial for preventing these issues.

Who are these questions for?

If you’re concerned that you might be experiencing symptoms of diabetes—or know you may have a higher chance of developing the condition—these questions are designed to help you assess your risk. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.

Dr Jenna Macciochi, Doctor of Immunology at the University of Sussex, explains: “With type 2 diabetes, your body’s still producing at least some insulin—which helps our cells to utilise glucose—but you can’t respond to it. You’ve lost that sensitivity. If the system gets overworked—eating the wrong things, eating too frequently, too much—the system gets worn out and we lose the sensitivity to it.”

This quiz is particularly useful if you have risk factors or subtle symptoms. If you suspect diabetes, get a check-up as soon as possible, as early intervention can prevent complications.

Who is more likely to develop diabetes?

Certain groups face higher risks. For type 2 diabetes, key risk factors include:

• Being overweight or obese (BMI over 30)
• Age over 40
• Family history of diabetes
• South Asian, African-Caribbean, or Black African ethnicity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• History of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• High blood pressure or previous cardiovascular issues

Type 1 diabetes risk is less tied to lifestyle but has genetic components. Overall, the rise in type 2 is linked to modern diets high in processed foods and sugars, coupled with reduced physical activity.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes prevalence has quadrupled since 1980, with 422 million adults affected worldwide in recent data. Prevention focuses on healthy weight, balanced diet, and regular exercise.

Might I have diabetes and not realise?

Yes, especially with type 2 diabetes, which develops slowly. The body continues producing insulin, but cells become resistant, leading to gradual high blood sugar buildup. Symptoms can be subtle or absent for years, earning it the nickname ‘silent killer.’

In contrast, type 1 symptoms appear rapidly—often within weeks—including extreme thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), weight loss despite increased appetite, fatigue, and blurred vision. Dr Macciochi notes: “Symptoms for type 1 diabetes often develop very fast. But with type 2 diabetes you may not even know you have it, as symptoms can be very subtle.”

Undiagnosed diabetes increases complication risks. Routine screening is recommended for at-risk groups.

What does the test consist of?

The quiz comprises nine questions targeting common symptoms:

1. Do you have unexplained weight loss?
2. Are you unusually thirsty?
3. Do you urinate frequently, especially at night?
4. Are you constantly tired?
5. Have you noticed blurred vision?
6. Do you have slow-healing wounds or infections?
7. Have you experienced numbness or tingling in hands/feet?
8. Do you have itchy skin or genital thrush?
9. Has anyone in your family had diabetes?

Score: 0-2 Yes: Low risk—monitor health. 3-5 Yes: Moderate risk—discuss at next check-up. 6+ Yes: High risk—see doctor urgently for blood tests.

This symptom-based assessment uses data to suggest action levels but is not diagnostic.

How accurate is it?

The quiz provides an indication based on symptoms but is not a substitute for medical tests. The only conclusive diagnosis comes from blood tests like fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). For OGTT, after fasting, you drink 75g glucose; levels ≥11.1 mmol/L after 2 hours confirm diabetes.

HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol indicates diabetes. These tests are highly accurate when performed correctly.

Quizzes like this have good sensitivity for prompting checks, with studies showing symptom screeners identify 70-80% of undiagnosed cases in at-risk populations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the main symptoms of diabetes?

A: Common signs include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores. Type 1 symptoms onset quickly; type 2 subtly.

Q: Can diabetes be prevented?

A: Type 1 cannot, but type 2 risk reduces with healthy weight, diet rich in fruits/veggies, 150 min weekly exercise, and avoiding smoking.

Q: How is diabetes diagnosed?

A: Via blood tests: fasting glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L, random ≥11.1 mmol/L with symptoms, or HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol.

Q: What should I eat with diabetes?

A: Focus on balanced meals: non-starchy veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats. Limit sugars and refined carbs.

Q: Is the quiz anonymous?

A: Yes, no personal data is stored.

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medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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