High Blood Protein May Signal Diabetes Risk

High levels of a blood protein may indicate more risk of type 2 diabetes, a study suggests. The study included about 400 people in their 70s. None had diabetes. Within 6 years, 135 had diabetes. Some people had high levels of a protein called fetuin-A. Their diabetes rate was twice as high as for people with the lowest levels of the protein. Researchers said fetuin-A could help identify people at high risk of diabetes. They could make a special effort to lose weight and exercise. HealthDay News reported on the study July 8. It was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.