New blood test could predict your risk of diabetes

A NEW blood test could predict which patients are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, scientists have revealed.

Researchers at Glasgow University have developed the procedure, which could in turn lead to new treatments.

Nearly 300,000 Scots are living with the disease and the numbers are soaring year on year – with risk factors including being overweight or obese.

It can lead to serious long-term complications including eye, kidney, nerve and heart disease.

Now the team has discovered new ‘biomarkers’ of diabetes, in the form of proteins and molecules in the blood, which they say could lead to a new test to identify those at risk.

Study lead Professor John Petrie, of the university’s Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Science, said: ‘Many cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented by earlier and more intense intervention to reduce calorie intake, increase physical activity and prevent the weight

Long-term complications

gain associated with modern lifestyles. But a more accurate means of predicting those at greatest risk is an important part of that effort.’

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to maintain a normal blood glucose level. By the time the condition develops, insulin-producing cells have become ‘exhausted’ and are no longer able to make enough.

In the study – published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE – researchers looked at proteins in the blood samples of people studied three years before they developed type 2 diabetes and compared them with those from people of similar age and weight who maintained normal blood sugar over the same period.

They identified molecules called ‘micro-RNAs’ that may reflect a form of ‘stress’ as cells begin to lose their insulinproducing properties.

Dr Emily Burns, of charity Diabetes UK, said: ‘It’s important we find more efficient ways of identifying those at high risk and prevent more people from developing the condition.’