The NHS in England is set to launch a groundbreaking trial of an artificial intelligence tool designed to predict patients at risk of type 2 diabetes up to 13 years before the condition manifests.
With over 500 million people currently affected by type 2 diabetes globally, early detection is crucial, as projections suggest this number could reach 1 billion by 2050. The disease is a leading cause of severe health complications, including blindness and heart disease.
The innovative AI tool, known as Aire-DM, analyzes electrocardiogram (ECG) readings to identify subtle changes indicative of diabetes risk. This technology could enable early interventions, allowing individuals to modify their lifestyle and diet to avoid developing the condition.
The trial will commence in 2025 at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, marking the first implementation of such a tool in a healthcare system worldwide.
Developed by a team at Imperial using 1.2 million ECGs, Aire-DM can accurately predict diabetes risk about 70% of the time across various demographics. When combined with genetic and clinical data, its predictive power improves significantly.
Dr. Libor Pastika emphasized the potential of AI in transforming healthcare, stating that Aire-DM could revolutionize early identification of diabetes risk and facilitate preventive care.