Doctors are warning individuals without diabetes to avoid using blood sugar monitors that are marketed for monitoring nutritional levels. This caution comes after a company similar to ZOE introduced a £300 program that allows users to track their food intake and wear a blood sugar monitor for two weeks to measure their blood sugar levels. However, Professor Partha Kerr, the NHS National Diabetes Adviser, has stated that there is no strong evidence to support the use of such devices for people without diabetes. He highlighted the potential risks of developing an obsessive focus on numbers, which could lead to the development of eating disorders in extreme cases.
Eating disorders charity Beat also advised against the use of blood sugar monitors for individuals affected by eating disorders, as it may exacerbate their condition due to an unhealthy fixation on numbers. In response, ZOE defended their program by emphasizing its scientific rigor, clinical trials, and research, aimed at improving health through the guidance provided.
In related news, scientists have made a breakthrough in diabetes detection by developing an AI model that can identify type 2 diabetes based on a person’s voice patterns. This innovative approach offers a potential alternative to traditional screening methods, which can be time-consuming and costly. The study conducted by the US-based Klick Labs team analyzed recordings to detect acoustic features that differentiate diabetic patients from non-diabetic individuals. The results showed promising accuracy rates, indicating a possible shift in diabetes screening methods using voice technology.
The groundbreaking research has the potential to revolutionize diabetes screening and diagnosis, providing a more accessible and efficient way to identify individuals at risk. With further advancements in voice technology, the medical community could adopt this approach to improve the early detection of diabetes and enhance patient outcomes.
