
Quiz: Do I have diabetes?
Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPLast updated by Victoria RawLast updated 10 Jun 2025
- DownloadDownload
- Share
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.
In this article:
Patient does not store any of your personal or medical data in association with your quiz answers. All responses are completely anonymous.
Can't see the questions? Click here to answer them now.
Continue reading below
About diabetes
Diabetes is on the rise, with more than 5 million adults diagnosed with the condition in the UK alone, according to Diabetes UK. Around 1 in 10 people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes - an autoimmune condition in which the body stops producing insulin. However, 9 out 10 people have type 2 diabetes, usually caused by poor diet and lifestyle choices - although family history and ethnicity can also increase your chance of developing it.
Who are these questions for?
If you're concerned that you might be having some of the symptoms of diabetes - or know that you may have a higher chance of developing the condition - these questions should help you discover whether you have some of the symptoms. If you suspect you may have or may be developing diabetes, it's important to get a check-up as soon as possible.
Continue reading below
Who is more likely to develop diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, and as yet the triggers for this condition are unknown. However, the onset of type 2 diabetes has a number of contributing factors - including being overweight or having obesity, living a sedentary lifestyle, or eating an unhealthy, high-calorie diet.
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."
Might I have diabetes and not realise?
With type 1 diabetes, the body stops producing insulin, meaning the effect on the body is usually rapid and noticeable. However, type 2 diabetes develops slowly - the body still produces insulin, but it may be insufficient, or the body might not respond to it properly.
This means that the development of symptoms is gradual. "Symptoms for type 1 diabetes often develop very fast," says Macciochi. "But with type 2 diabetes you may not even know you have it, as symptoms can be very subtle."
Continue reading below
What does the test consist of?
The nine questions look at common symptoms you may have noticed. Using the data, it will be suggested whether to seek help.
How accurate is it?
The only conclusive test for diabetes is a blood test. However, these questions should give you an indication of whether to seek urgent help, or whether to raise the issue at your next doctor's appointment.
Patient picks for Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes
Diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes - type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 usually first develops in children or in young adults. Type 2 usually first develops in people over the age of 40 years and is often (though not always) associated with being overweight. However, type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and in young adults.
by Dr Doug McKechnie, MRCGP

Diabetes
Diabetes diet: managing type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes it is often difficult to know which foods you should or shouldn't eat. Here we explain the key elements to a diabetes diet to help you prevent or delay associated health problems, and address some common myths around eating with type 2 diabetes.
by Amberley Davis
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Next review due: 10 Jun 2028
10 Jun 2025 | Latest version
10 Jun 2018 | Originally published
Authored by:
Gillian Harvey

Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free