20yr warning for diabetes

TYPE 2 diabetes can be spotted 20 years before it develops, say researchers, giving time to prevent it with diet and exercise.

Until now doctors have relied on looking for raised blood sugar levels.

But medics in Matsumoto, Japan, found higher fasting glucose, higher body mass index and impaired insulin sensitivity gave a better prediction.

Dr Hiroyuki Sagesaka, of Aizawa Hospital, said: “We may need to intervene much earlier.”