Simple Blood Test Can Reveal Early Diabetes Risk

News Brief by Ming Lin

Scientists at Tel Aviv University discovered another use for the A1c test, which is usually used to diagnose type 2 diabetes. They found that the test could also be used for early screening of type 2 diabetes in high-risk populations. They were able to quantify the correlation between A1c levels and risk of diabetes: as A1c levels increase, so does the risk. In fact, every 0.5 percent increase in A1c levels resulted in doubling the risk of diabetes. With this test, doctors can hopefully more accurately assess the risk of diabetes at an earlier stage than currently, aiding in the prevention of the disease.


Reference:
IANS. (2014, January 28). Simple blood test can reveal early diabetes risk. The Times Of India. Retrieved January 29, 2014, from http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-01-28/health/46734217_1_a1c-test-developing-diabetes-diabetes-prevention