By Chris Eldridge Dietitian and Diabetes Educator
8 minute read
Published 21 July 2026
Chris Eldridge Dietitian and Diabetes Educator
Chris is a Clinical and Sports Dietitian with a passion for promoting positive health and preventative care.
By Chris Eldridge Dietitian and Diabetes Educator
Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually and may not cause obvious symptoms in its early stages. As a result, many people are unaware they are at increased risk until a routine health check or blood test identifies a problem.
The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK) is a questionnaire for adults that estimates their risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next 5 years.¹ It may also be useful for determining type 2 diabetes risk in those who have risk factors such as being overweight, having a family history of diabetes or living with certain health conditions.
AUSDRISK is a screening tool and cannot diagnose diabetes. However, it can help identify people who may benefit from further assessment or support to reduce their risk.
The AUSDRISK is a list of questions that can indicate your level of risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Created on behalf of the Australian Government, the survey was designed by health experts to identify the best predictors of diabetes development. These include age, ethnicity, waist circumference and physical activity.2
Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adults over the age of 45. The older we get, the higher our risk, with the condition most common in people over the age of 75.3,4
Research shows that in Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Pacific Islander and Māori communities are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.5
In the AUSDRISK the increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes based on waist circumference is 102 cm for men, 88 cm for women.2 It is worth noting that other health guidelines indicate a higher risk of diabetes at a smaller waist circumference. Diabetes Australia suggest an increased risk is 94cm for men and 80cm for women.6
It’s the duration of physical activity, not the intensity level of the exercise, that is measured in the AUSDRISK. So, someone who walks for two hours a day has the same score as someone who goes to the gym for 2 hours a day.2 The questionnaire also asks about other factors, such as family history and lifestyle habits.
AUSDRISK is designed to help identify people who may be at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
If you have one or more of the risk factors for developing diabetes, such as a close family history or being overweight or obese, it’s a good idea to take the AUSDRISK questionnaire.
And while type 2 diabetes often develops without noticeable symptoms, some people may experience signs such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue or unexplained weight loss. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to speak with your GP, as they may recommend blood glucose testing rather than relying on a risk assessment questionnaire alone.
Even if you feel well, understanding your risk factors can be an important part of preventive healthcare. Many chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, can develop without obvious symptoms for years.
Tools such as AUSDRISK can help identify whether you may benefit from further assessment, lifestyle support or routine health checks. Combined with regular monitoring of factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels, they can help detect health issues earlier and support better long-term outcomes.
The AUSDRISK questionnaire is available through your healthcare professional, and you may also access it through a workplace health program, your pharmacy or online via the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website or through Diabetes Australia.
Once you have taken the AUSDRISK questionnaire, you will be given a score.
Your score estimates the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes over the next 5 years based on known risk factors. It cannot predict exactly what will happen to an individual and does not diagnose diabetes.
0-5 low risk. One in 100 people will develop type 2 diabetes over the next 5 years.
6-11 intermediate risk. One in 50 people who score between 6-8 will develop type 2 diabetes in the next 5 years. One in 30 people who score between 9-11 will develop the condition.
12 and above high risk. If you score 12 you are at an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes or may already be living with the condition. One in 14 people who scores 12-15 will develop type 2 diabetes. For scores of 16-19, one person in every 7 will develop diabetes, and one person in 3 people who score 20 and above will develop the condition.
Your AUSDRISK score is a starting point for understanding your risk of type 2 diabetes. It doesn't determine your future health, but it can help identify opportunities to take action early.
If your score is low, maintaining healthy habits such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet and routine health checks can help support your long-term health.
If your score falls into the intermediate or high-risk range, it’s worth discussing the result with your GP or another healthcare professional. Depending on your individual circumstances, they may recommend further assessment, including blood glucose testing, to determine whether diabetes or prediabetes is already present.
The good news is that many of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes can be modified. Healthy eating, regular movement, maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood pressure and staying connected with healthcare support can all help reduce your risk.
Digital health services can also make it easier to access support. Depending on your needs, this may include virtual GP appointments, health coaching, dietitian consultations or programs that help you build healthy habits over time.
A high AUSDRISK score does not mean you will develop type 2 diabetes. It simply highlights that you may benefit from taking a closer look at your health and discussing ways to reduce your risk.
Many people are surprised to learn they have risk factors for type 2 diabetes because they feel completely well. Understanding your risk early can help you make informed decisions about your health and access support before problems develop.
Call us on 1300 030 238 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm AEST) to speak with one of our health professionals or register for a call back to find out what programs are available to you.
The AUSDRISK can be accessed via the Department of Health, Disability and Aging website.
Diabetes Australia also the diabetes risk calculator online for public use.
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Our health and wellbeing information is regularly reviewed and maintained by a team of healthcare experts, to ensure its relevancy and accuracy. Everyone's health journey is unique and health outcomes vary from person to person.
This content is not a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.
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1 Department of health, disability and ageing. (2024). The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). Australian Government.
2 Department of health, disability and ageing. (n.d.). Background to the Australian type 2 diabetes risk assessment tool.
3 Diabetes Australia. (n.d.). Type 2 diabetes.
4 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2026). Diabetes: the facts. Australian Government.
5 Ezinne, N. E., Osuagwu, U. L., Agho, K. E., & Doyle, A. K. (2025). Ethnic disparities in the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes in Australia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC public health, 25(1), 3909.
6 Diabetes Australia. (n.d.). Type 2 diabetes risk factors.
