New Diagnostic Technique For Identification Of Young Adults With Type One Diabetes

An increasing problem in the diagnosis of diabetes is distinguishing between type one and type two diabetes, which is complicated further by the rising rates of obesity. Current diagnostic methods such as tests for antibody or C-peptide levels have limitations, and misdiagnosis occurs in approximately 10% of cases. This can result in patients with type one diabetes being given inappropriate lifestyle advice and delaying vital insulin treatment, which could lead to the development of life-threatening complications. Diagnosis is particularly challenging for patients aged between 20 and 40 years. However a new genetic

risk score assessment developed by Dr Richard A Oram and colleagues at the University of Exeter Medical School may provide a novel solution, according to a study published in Diabetes Care.

The new genetic risk score assessment works by single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping. This has many advantages including being fast and inexpensive, with a current price of around £50 that is expected to fall in the future. The test only requires a blood sample and is highly sensitive, testing for 30 single nucleotide polymorphisms specific to type one diabetes. Results do not fluctuate over time, which can be an issue with current diagnostic tests. The service is already available at a laboratory in Exeter, but there are plans to expand this and to ultimately provide gold-standard diagnostic care to patients across the world.

More information and the results from the study can be found here: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2015/10/30/dc15-1111.abstract

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