Detecting Diabetes Earlier

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