Detecting Diabetes Earlier

A new test targets risk before disease develops.

• Your Medical Care
• Breakthroughs
• Diabetes
• Fight Disease

A blood test may someday pinpoint your risk of type 2 diabetes long before the disease sets in. People with deep belly fat surrounding the organs have higher levels of a substance called retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) in their blood. They’re more likely to be obese and have diabetes. But even lean folks can be at risk, says Barbara Kahn, MD, an endocrinologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Exercise and treatments for insulin resistance can lower RBP4 and may stave off diabetes, says Dr. Kahn.

From Reader's Digest - November 2007

 

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