Summary of 20% of “Healthy” Individuals Have the Metabolism of a Prediabetic:
Scientists at Klick Labs have developed a new analytical method for detecting impaired glucose homeostasis (IGH), a precursor to prediabetes, using data from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). The technique identified 20% of study participants as having glucose metabolism similar to prediabetes, even though they were initially deemed healthy. This breakthrough in early detection could improve the management of diabetes. The study involved equipping 384 people with CGMs and assessing them over two weeks. The results highlight the potential for earlier and more accurate assessment of diabetic status. With millions worldwide affected by diabetes or prediabetes, early intervention and detection are critical in managing the disease. Mitacs funded the study.
Summary:
1. Klick Labs scientists have developed a new analytical method to detect impaired glucose homeostasis (IGH) in individuals with prediabetic metabolism.
2. This innovative approach allows for early detection and management of diabetes.
3. The study found that 20% of participants previously labeled as healthy exhibited glucose metabolism patterns similar to prediabetes.
4. Early intervention in individuals with IGH could prevent the progression to full diabetes.
5. Screening tools like this have the potential to significantly impact the lives of millions worldwide.
Are you aware that 20% of supposedly healthy individuals have the metabolism of a prediabetic? It may come as a surprise, but a recent breakthrough in scientific research has unveiled this unique aspect of human health. Klick Labs scientists have developed an innovative analytical method that identifies impaired glucose homeostasis (IGH), a precursor to prediabetes, through analyzing data from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). This discovery opens up new possibilities for the early detection and management of diabetes.
In a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Digital Health, scientists from Klick Labs utilized their proprietary mathematical model on data collected from CGMs to detect a stage called impaired glucose homeostasis (IGH). Typically, prediabetics exhibit fluctuations in their blood glucose levels, similar to a roller-coaster ride. However, for those with IGH, these patterns resemble gentle waves rather than dramatic peaks. By focusing on this population, it may be possible to intervene and limit the likelihood of progression to full diabetes.
During the study, 384 individuals were equipped with CGMs and monitored by physicians over two weeks. Participants were initially categorized as diabetic, prediabetic, or healthy according to the standards set by the American Diabetes Association. However, after applying the mathematical model, about 20% of the supposedly healthy subjects were re-classified as having impaired glucose homeostasis. This highlights the potential to provide earlier, more sensitive assessments of an individual’s diabetic status.
The importance of screening and monitoring for diabetes cannot be overstated, given that about 34 million people in the U.S. and 11.7 million Canadians live with the disease or are at risk of developing it. More than 80% of individuals with prediabetes in the U.S. are unaware of their condition. This underlines the urgent need for screening tools to identify at-risk individuals before the disease progresses.
Traditionally, screening and diagnosis of diabetes involve reviewing risk factors such as age, BMI, and family history, as well as conducting blood tests like glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). However, the new analytical method developed by Klick Labs represents a major advancement in preventing and managing diabetes. Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing Type 2 diabetes, making this method a potential lifesaver for millions worldwide.
These exciting findings are the latest in Klick’s ongoing work in the diabetes space. Their previous study, “Homeostasis as a proportional–integral control system,” published in Nature Digital Medicine in 2020, used mathematical modeling to uncover underlying changes in glucose regulation. Collaborating with Ontario Tech University and Professor Lennaert van Veen, Klick Labs continues to push the boundaries of diabetes research with the support of a Mitacs grant.
So, what does this mean for you? It means that advancements in science and technology constantly strive to improve our lives and well-being. We can now detect the early indications of diabetes, even before an individual reaches a prediabetic state. This timely intervention can significantly impact the course of the disease, potentially preventing its progression and allowing for better management and reversibility.
If you are concerned about your metabolic health or have a family history of diabetes, it may be worth considering getting screened for impaired glucose homeostasis. Early detection is critical, and with innovative methods like CGM data analysis, we are getting closer to a world where diabetes can be effectively managed and, perhaps, even reversed.
Remember, knowledge is power. Stay informed about the latest advancements in medical research and take proactive steps to prioritize your health. Investing in preventive measures and making positive lifestyle choices can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes.
The future looks promising, and with each breakthrough, we come closer to a world where everyone can enjoy optimal health and well-being. Let’s embrace these possibilities and work together to create a brighter, healthier future.
