Artificial intelligence spots type 1 diabetes in children earlier

A predictive tool using artificial intelligence could provide hope for earlier diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children across the UK, reducing the risk of potentially fatal diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), early research presented at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2022 has revealed. Type 1 diabetes is a serious auto-immune condition that cannot yet be prevented, and the gradual destruction of insulin-making beta cells can start months or even years before being diagnosed. Symptoms usually start to appear much closer to diagnosis. Early diagnosis and awareness of the signs and symptoms of diabetes are crucial to ensure that both children and adults who develop it do not become critically ill. A quarter of children and young people (25%1) aren't diagnosed with type 1 diabetes until they are in DKA2, a life-threatening condition that can lead to coma or even death.