NHS To Start Groundbreaking AI Trial to Predict Type 2 Diabetes Risk

The NHS in England is set to launch a world-first trial of an innovative artificial intelligence tool designed to identify patients at risk of type 2 diabetes up to 13 years before the condition develops, The Guardian reported.

With over 500 million people currently affected by type 2 diabetes globally, early detection is crucial, as the number is projected to reach 1 billion by 2050.

The AI tool, named Aire-DM, analyzes electrocardiogram (ECG) readings from routine heart scans to detect subtle changes that may indicate future diabetes risk. This technology aims to facilitate early interventions, allowing individuals to make lifestyle changes to potentially prevent the condition.

The trial will begin in 2025 at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Researchers utilized 1.2 million ECGs and data from the UK Biobank to validate the tool’s predictive capabilities. Early tests show it accurately predicts risk about 70% of the time, improving further when combined with genetic and clinical data.

Experts believe this AI-driven approach could revolutionize preventive healthcare, offering a non-invasive method for early diabetes risk assessment.