Experts have discovered a simple blood test that can predict whether a child will develop diabetes and heart disease at a young age.
The Danish scientists say that offering the test at a young age increases the likelihood that young people at greatest risk of obesity-related diseases will be identified and treated more quickly.
The experimental test looks for substances called lipids in the blood. The best-known blood lipid is cholesterol, which is known to be linked to heart disease.
However, previous research from the same group showed that there are thousands of different lipids (also called fatty acids) with different functions in the body.
High levels of some of these lipids are linked to increased risk of diabetes and heart disease, and the new research shows that these levels peak in childhood.
Danish scientists say offering the test in the early years could identify young people most at risk of obesity-related conditions and get them treatment sooner
Nearly 4.3 million people were living with diabetes in 2021/22, according to the latest figures for the UK. And a further 850,000 people have diabetes and are completely unaware of it, which is worrying because untreated type 2 diabetes can lead to complications including heart disease and stroke.
The findings could help tackle the rising tide of type 2 diabetes in young people, with recent data showing that 39 percent more people under the age of 40 are developing the blood sugar disorder.
The number of fatal heart attacks in people under 75 is also increasing.
Dr Karolina Sulek, author of the study who conducted the analysis at the Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen, said: ‘Early identification of children at risk of these life-threatening diseases is crucial.
‘The research provides strong evidence for the great need for obesity management and gives parents the confidence to intervene in their children’s lives in a more compassionate way to help them lose weight.’
In the study, researchers assessed the blood fat levels of 184 children with an average age of 11 years, all of whom were classified as overweight or obese.
They all participated in the Holbaek model, a program for people with obesity that is popular in Denmark.
After a year of research, they found that their fatty acid levels had decreased, reducing the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
Writing in the diary Naturopathythey said the results showed that rising blood lipid levels can be reversed.
Dr Cristina Legido-Quigley, one of the study’s authors, from King’s College London, said: ‘For decades, scientists have relied on a classification system for lipids that divides them into good and bad cholesterol.
‘But now, with a simple blood test, we can detect a much wider range of lipid molecules that could serve as important early warning signs of disease.
‘In the future, this could be a completely new way to evaluate someone’s personal risk of disease. By studying how we can change lipid molecules in the body, we could even prevent metabolic diseases like diabetes altogether.’
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the insulin the body produces does not work properly.
This hormone is needed to lower blood sugar levels.
High blood sugar levels can cause heart attacks and strokes in the long term, as well as problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet.
Patients may need to adjust their diet, take daily medications, and have regular check-ups.
Symptoms of the condition, which is diagnosed with a blood test, include excessive thirst, fatigue and increased urination. But many people have no symptoms.
According to the latest figures for the UK, almost 4.3 million people were living with diabetes in 2021/22.
About 90 percent of diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes, which is associated with obesity and is usually diagnosed in middle age. This excludes type 1 diabetes, a genetic condition that is usually diagnosed at a young age.
