Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS)
5 questions on age, sex, waist, activity and family history, validated for Indian populations (CURES study).
The Indian Diabetes Risk Score was developed from the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study (CURES) for use in Indian populations. It asks 5 questions — age, sex (to choose the waist cut-off), waist circumference, physical activity and family history of diabetes — and needs no blood test. It estimates risk and suggests whether testing is worthwhile; it cannot tell you whether you have diabetes.
- Your age? (<35 years, 35-49 years, 50+ years)
- Sex (Male, Female)
- Exercise and physical work (Regular exercise and strenuous work, Regular exercise or strenuous work, No exercise and sedentary work)
- Family history of diabetes (No, One parent, Both parents)
What your score means
Below 30 — Low risk. Continue healthy eating and regular activity, and recheck periodically.
30-50 — Moderate risk. A fasting blood glucose test is worth doing, along with diet and activity changes.
60 and above — High risk. Ask your doctor about HbA1c and fasting glucose testing without delay.
Note on the scale — Every item scores in tens. Age scores 0, 20 or 30; waist 0, 10 or 20; physical activity 0, 20 or 30; family history 0, 10 or 20. Totals are therefore always multiples of 10, so scores between 51 and 59 cannot occur.
Frequently asked questions
Does a high IDRS mean I have diabetes?
No. It means your risk profile warrants a blood test. Only a laboratory glucose or HbA1c test, interpreted by a doctor, can confirm diabetes.
Why is this score specific to India?
The cut-offs, especially for waist circumference, were derived for Indian populations, who develop metabolic risk at lower measurements than the older international thresholds assumed.
How often should I retake this?
Once a year is usually enough, or sooner if your waist measurement, activity level or family history changes.
Are my answers stored?
They stay in your browser unless you are signed in and choose to save the result to your account.