A new blood test that looks at lipids could help doctors identify children at risk for serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and liver disease. Researchers at King's College London found that certain lipid molecules are linked to these health problems in children. This test could act as an early warning system for potential complications.
The study used existing hospital machines to test blood plasma in babies, finding that certain lipid molecules, rather than cholesterol, are more closely tied to health risks like high blood pressure. This challenges the common belief that cholesterol is the main cause of obesity-related health issues, showing that we need a better understanding of lipids.
The research also showed that lifestyle changes helped reduce lipid levels tied to diabetes risk in children, even if their BMI didn’t change significantly. This could lead to more effective treatments and prevention for metabolic diseases, offering hope for managing childhood obesity and related health issues.
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