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Below 70? The 15-15 rule

All forDiabetes

Free · Private · About 1 minute

Type 2 diabetes risk test

More than one in three US adults has prediabetes, and most don’t know it. These seven questions are the validated risk score behind the American Diabetes Association’s risk test. They tell you whether you should ask your doctor for a blood sugar test.

Your answers stay on your device. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere. This test estimates risk; only a blood test can diagnose diabetes.

Answer each question about yourself0/6
  1. Question 1: How old are you?
  2. Question 2: Are you a man or a woman?
  3. Question 3: Do you have a mother, father, sister or brother with diabetes?
  4. Question 4: Have you ever been diagnosed with high blood pressure?
  5. Question 5: Are you physically active?
  6. Question 6: What are your height and weight?

About this test

Points: age 40–49 (1), 50–59 (2), 60+ (3); male (1); past gestational diabetes (1); parent or sibling with diabetes (1); high blood pressure (1); not physically active (1); BMI 25–29.9 (1), 30–39.9 (2), 40+ (3). A total of 5 or more identifies people at higher risk of undiagnosed prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. People of Asian descent are at higher risk at lower weights, so they may want to be tested even with a lower score.

Source: Bang H, Edwards AM, Bomback AS, et al. Development and validation of a patient self-assessment score for diabetes risk. Ann Intern Med. 2009;151(11):775–783.

Low blood sugar

Below 70? Use the 15-15 rule.

Hypoglycemia can happen to anyone who takes insulin or certain diabetes tablets. Treat it straight away. If someone is confused, unconscious or can’t swallow, don’t give food or drink: use glucagon if it is available and call 911 or your local emergency number.

Call 911

Common signs

  • Shaking or trembling
  • Sweating, clammy skin
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Hunger
  • Confusion or irritability
  1. STEP 115 gTake fast-acting sugar4 oz (½ cup) of juice or regular soda, 4 glucose tablets, or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey.
  2. STEP 215 minWait, then recheckStill below 70 mg/dL? Take another 15 g and check again.
  3. STEP 3SnackOnce back in rangeEat a meal or snack if your next one is more than an hour away.

Based on American Diabetes Association guidance. Your care team may give you a different plan, for example for children or after severe lows. Outside the US, call your local emergency number.