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Breakthrough: 235 Blood Molecules Predict Diabetes Risk
19 Jan
Summary
- 235 blood molecules linked to type 2 diabetes identified.
- A simple blood test could detect diabetes years before symptoms.
- Findings may help prevent complications like heart disease and stroke.
A decades-long study by US researchers has identified 235 specific molecules in the blood that are strongly linked to type 2 diabetes. This discovery could lead to a simple blood test capable of detecting the disease years before any symptoms manifest. Such early detection would offer a critical opportunity to mitigate the risk of severe health issues, including heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke.
The research analyzed blood samples from over 23,000 initially diabetes-free individuals over a 26-year period. Scientists found that changes in metabolic profiles, driven by factors like obesity and inflammation, serve as predictive markers. Notably, these links persisted even when accounting for known risk factors like high cholesterol and poor diet.
This new predictive risk-score, derived from these molecular signatures, shows potential to enhance risk stratification and inform early intervention strategies for type 2 diabetes. The findings, published in Nature, suggest that lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise not only influence weight but also alter the body's metabolic profile, thereby impacting diabetes risk.
