Overview
- Researchers analyzed 23,634 adults from 10 long-term cohorts, tracking up to 26 years to relate circulating metabolites to future type 2 diabetes.
- Of 469 blood molecules measured, 235 were associated with higher or lower risk, including 67 newly identified links.
- The team derived a 44-metabolite profile that predicted future type 2 diabetes beyond traditional risk factors.
- Diet, physical activity, obesity, and intake of red meat, vegetables, sugary drinks, and coffee or tea exerted a stronger influence on diabetes-linked metabolites than on others.
- Metabolites tied to type 2 diabetes showed genetic connections to relevant traits and tissues, and the authors caution that experimental studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm causality and guide translation.