From the Guidelines
Your primary care physician is the most appropriate doctor to order the diabetes risk index test. This test is a crucial part of preventive healthcare, and primary care physicians are typically the first point of contact for patients. According to the American Diabetes Association's 2025 standards of care in diabetes 1, the diabetes risk test is a simple and effective way to identify individuals at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The test takes into account various risk factors, including age, sex, family history, and physical activity level.
- Key factors that determine the need for the diabetes risk index test include:
- Age: 40 years or older
- Family history of diabetes
- History of gestational diabetes or delivering a baby over 9 pounds
- Physical inactivity
- High blood pressure
- Certain ethnic backgrounds, such as African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
- If you're concerned about your diabetes risk, scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider is the best course of action. They can evaluate your need for the test based on your personal health history and current symptoms, as recommended by the 2025 standards of care in diabetes 1.
From the Research
Diabetes Risk Index Test
- The diabetes risk index test is typically ordered by a primary care physician or an endocrinologist 2, 3.
- Endocrinologists play a crucial role in setting up effective diabetes care delivery systems and serving as a resource for educational needs for other medical professionals in the community 3.
- Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients with diabetes and may order the diabetes risk index test as part of routine care 2.
- There is no specific evidence to suggest that any other type of doctor is responsible for ordering the diabetes risk index test.
Role of Endocrinologists
- Endocrinologists have a responsibility in delivering diabetes care and setting up effective diabetes care delivery systems within their organizations 3.
- They work together with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care for patients with diabetes 2, 3.
- Endocrinologists may also be involved in ordering and interpreting the results of the diabetes risk index test, particularly for patients with complex or high-risk cases 2.
Primary Care Physicians
- Primary care physicians are often responsible for providing routine care for patients with diabetes, including ordering diagnostic tests such as the diabetes risk index test 2.
- They work together with endocrinologists and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care for patients with diabetes 2, 3.
- Primary care physicians may also be involved in interpreting the results of the diabetes risk index test and developing treatment plans for patients with diabetes 2.