What is the AUSDRISK score?

AUSDRISK is the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool developed by the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute. It is used by GPs across Australia as a screening tool. A score of 12 or more indicates you should see your doctor for a blood glucose test.

Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?

Yes. Research from the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study and similar trials shows that lifestyle changes — losing 5-7% of body weight, exercising 150 minutes per week, and improving diet — can reduce diabetes risk by up to 58%, even in high-risk individuals.

How accurate is this calculator?

AUSDRISK has been validated in Australian populations and is endorsed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. However, it is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A high score means you should have a blood test — it does not mean you have diabetes.

Why does ethnicity affect diabetes risk?

People of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Islander descent have a higher genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes. This is reflected in the AUSDRISK scoring to ensure appropriate screening for higher-risk groups.

Diabetes Risk Calculator (AUSDRISK)

This calculator uses the AUSDRISK (Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool) scoring system to estimate your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the next five years. It considers age, gender, ethnicity, family history, and lifestyle factors relevant to the Australian population.

Enter Your Details

Age

Gender

Ethnic Background

Family history of diabetes (parent, sibling)

Have you ever been found to have high blood glucose?

Are you currently taking medication for high blood pressure?

Do you currently smoke?

Do you eat fruit or vegetables every day?

Do you get at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week?

Waist circumference

Measure at narrowest point

How It Works

AUSDRISK assigns points based on ten risk factors: age, sex, ethnicity, family history of diabetes, history of high blood glucose, use of blood pressure medication, smoking status, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and waist circumference. Scores are totalled and categorised as Low risk (5 or below — approximately 1 in 100 will develop diabetes in 5 years), Intermediate risk (6-11 — 1 in 50), or High risk (12 or above — 1 in 14).

Quick Reference

AUSDRISK Score	Risk Category	5-Year Risk
0-5	Low Risk	~1 in 100
6-8	Intermediate (lower)	~1 in 50
9-11	Intermediate (upper)	~1 in 30
12-15	High Risk	~1 in 14
16-19	High Risk	~1 in 7
20+	Very High Risk	~1 in 3

AUSDRISK is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A high score means you should get a blood glucose test from your GP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AUSDRISK score?: AUSDRISK is the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool developed by the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute. It is used by GPs across Australia as a screening tool. A score of 12 or more indicates you should see your doctor for a blood glucose test.
Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?: Yes. Research from the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study and similar trials shows that lifestyle changes — losing 5-7% of body weight, exercising 150 minutes per week, and improving diet — can reduce diabetes risk by up to 58%, even in high-risk individuals.
How accurate is this calculator?: AUSDRISK has been validated in Australian populations and is endorsed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. However, it is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A high score means you should have a blood test — it does not mean you have diabetes.
Why does ethnicity affect diabetes risk?: People of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Islander descent have a higher genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes. This is reflected in the AUSDRISK scoring to ensure appropriate screening for higher-risk groups.

AUSDRISK Scoring Summary

Total Score = age + ethnicity + family + glucose_history + BP_meds + smoking + diet + activity + waist

age: = 0 (under 35) to 8 (65+)
ethnicity: = 0 or 2 based on background
family: = 0 (no history) or 3 (parent/sibling)
glucose_history: = 0 or 6 if previously had high glucose
waist: = 0, 4, or 7 based on measurement and gender

Adapted from the AUSDRISK tool by the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute. This is a screening questionnaire, not a diagnostic test.

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Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator

Calculate your waist-to-hip ratio to assess whether your body fat distribution is a potential health concern.

Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual results may vary based on factors not captured by these formulas. Consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or exercise routine, especially if you have any existing health conditions.