Early-warning diabetes test hope (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

Experts believe a simple blood test could spot diabetes up to 10 years before the first symptoms of the disease occur.

By looking at levels of five amino acids in the blood US researchers were able to correctly identify people who went on to develop type 2 diabetes.

Ultimately the Harvard team hope a test like this could be used to screen for type 2 diabetes, Nature Medicine says.

Early detection can help prevent related complications like blindness.

Risk prediction

Dr Victoria King, head of research at Diabetes UK, said: "Early diagnosis and effective management of type 2 diabetes are crucial in reducing the risk of developing diabetes complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12803909

[thecrow]

1. ",,,detection can help prevent related complications like blindness."

And up your insurance rates!

[TexasProgresive]

2. Not in Britain!! n/t

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. You're right!

Every legal resident of Britain is eligible for medical care by law, and even tourists get emergency care (although not follow-up care).

Under the British system (and other single-payer and national health service systems), there are incentives to detect problems early and no barriers to doing so (because people don't worry about how to pay for their medical care).

If a person has risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, the doctor can them him or her, "Start changing your diet and getting more exercise NOW." That is much cheaper than treating someone with Type 2 diabetes who can't afford to go to the doctor and delays treatment until he or she is in real trouble.