Could You Have Prediabetes? Google It!
By Ruiyan Wang, Kara Miecznikowski, and Albert Cai
Try googling “prediabetes” or “type 2 diabetes” — a new search feature in the United States automatically spotlights the CDC’s one-minute prediabetes risk test
In the United States, Google Search results for “prediabetes” or “type 2 diabetes” now highlight the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) one-minute prediabetes risk test. Shown in orange, the link to the test is featured as a “Public Health Notice” within Google’s medical information box on the right side of the screen.
If you are outside of the United States, you may not have the same Google Search result. Here is a link directly to the risk test!
The risk test consists of seven questions, which ask about family history of diabetes, age, blood pressure, and physical activity, among other factors. After taking the test, users receive a score from 1-10 on their risk for prediabetes. A score of 10 indicates the highest level of risk, and a score of 5 and above indicates “high risk for prediabetes.” Users can also view a detailed explanation of how their test is scored.
For those with a score of 5 or greater, the test encourages users to print or email their results to share with a healthcare professional, who can advise on a more confirmatory diagnosis (e.g., A1C, fingerstick glucose). The results page also links to information about the National Diabetes Prevention Program.
Prediabetes is defined as blood sugar that is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. The A1C range for prediabetes is 5.7% to 6.4%. The fasting glucose level for prediabetes is 100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl. If left untreated, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes. An estimated 80+ million Americans have prediabetes, 90% of whom don’t know they have the condition. Take the risk test here.
