The scientists used an approach called metabolomics, which focuses on the unique mix of chemicals, called metabolites, substances left behind from bodily reactions. These chemical fingerprints can provide clues to health.
Using new technologies to rapidly measure the levels of 61 amino acids and other metabolites in blood samples, the researchers found that elevated levels of five amino acids – isoleucine, leucine, valine, tyrosine and phenylalanine – seemed to predict a diagnosis of diabetes.
High levels of these amino acids were detected as early as 12 years before onset of disease. Further analysis showed that a combination of three amino acids was an even better predictor of diabetes risk.
The scientists confirmed their results by analyzing blood samples from more than 300 participants in an independent study of cancer and diet.
Even in participants closely matched for traditional diabetes risk factors, such as obesity, these amino acid levels could help differentiate people at greatest risk.
Participants with the highest levels of the three most predictive amino acids were 4-5 times more likely to develop diabetes than those with the lowest levels.
“These findings could provide insight into metabolic pathways that are altered very early in the process leading to diabetes,” Wang says. “They also raise the possibility that, in selected individuals, these measurements could identify those at highest risk of developing diabetes so that early preventive measures could be instituted.”
Can A Blood Test Predict Diabetes Risk? was originally published on blackdoctor.org
