Hospitals Trial AI to Predict Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Two NHS hospital trusts in London are testing an innovative AI technology designed to identify the risk of type 2 diabetes up to a decade before symptoms arise.

Imperial College and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts are collaborating on this project, using an AI system named Aire-DM. The technology analyzes patients’ ECG (electrocardiogram) readings to detect subtle early warning signs that even experienced doctors might miss.

Clinical Trials Scheduled for 2025

The AI is currently in its training phase, with clinical trials planned for 2025 to evaluate its effectiveness. Early indications suggest Aire-DM can accurately predict diabetes risk about 70% of the time.

The system’s predictive accuracy improves when it incorporates additional factors such as a patient’s age, sex, blood pressure, and weight, according to lead researcher Dr. Fu Siong Ng.

“It is already quite good just with the ECG data, but it is even better when you add in those,” Dr. Ng explained.

How Aire-DM Works

An ECG measures the heart’s electrical activity, including its rate and rhythm. The AI detects intricate changes in the ECG that are too subtle and varied for human interpretation.

“It’s not as simple as saying it’s this or that bit of the ECG. It’s looking at a combination of subtle things,” Dr. Ng said.

Up to 1,000 patients across the two hospitals will have their ECG scans analyzed by Aire-DM during the trial.

Potential for Wider NHS Use

While the technology is not yet available for routine use, researchers hope it could be rolled out across the NHS within five years.

Implications for Public Health

The British Heart Foundation, which funds the research, emphasizes that identifying those at risk early could save lives by preventing complications such as heart attacks and strokes.

Professor Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation, called the research a potential “gamechanger”:

“This exciting research uses powerful artificial intelligence to analyze ECGs, revealing insights that could transform the way we predict type 2 diabetes.”

Dr. Faye Riley of Diabetes UK added:

“With 1.2 million people in England alone unaware they are living with type 2 diabetes, AI-powered screening methods could identify high-risk individuals years in advance, enabling timely support to prevent serious complications.”

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where blood sugar levels become too high due to the body’s inability to produce or effectively use insulin. While genetics can play a role, lifestyle factors like obesity significantly increase the risk.

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly are effective ways to reduce the risk and manage the condition.

Looking Ahead

The Aire-DM trial marks a significant step toward integrating AI into preventive healthcare, offering hope for early intervention and improved outcomes for millions at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.