Mar 01, 2007

No-Hunger Diabetes Test

Selene Yeager, Prevention Magazine

Medical Breakthrough

Doctors will soon be able to tell if you're on the road to diabetes simply by shining a light on your forearm- a painless test that takes only 1 minute. Scout, a device manufactured by VeraLight, emits a beam that measures collagen changes and the amount of blood sugar by-products hiding out in your skin. A high reading means your body likely isn't processing glucose efficiently- a hallmark of the disease, explains John Maynard, VeraLight vice president of product development.

The test could have big benefits. Right now, diabetes screening involves an overnight fast and having blood drawn the next day. But Scout could be used on the spot during a regular checkup, even if you downed a plate of waffles for breakfast. It ups the chance of catching the disease earlier, when it is more easily treated, which may help you avoid complications such as kidney problems.

The device won't be available until next year, but you can take action now: Assess your risk of developing the disease by logging on to www.diabetes.org/risk-test. And continute getting screened the usual way by your doctor, too.