AI tool helps tailor diabetes treatment

Researchers developed the tool using data from diabetes patients in Bradford

A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool is being used to help diabetes patients in Bradford avoid the worst health complications.

Researchers using the technology said the Bradford and Craven district had one of the highest rates of diabetes in the UK, and the highest across Yorkshire and the Humber.

The AI model aims to help clinicians choose a treatment plan such as a particular diet or exercise regime tailored to each patient.

It was developed by Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust working in partnership with the University of York.

The tool helps experts determine who might be at risk of complications associated with type 2 diabetes, such as high blood pressure or heart attacks, and helps tailor the correct care.

Researchers believe the system also has the potential to deliver "significant positive results" in patients of South Asian heritage.

• One million have undiagnosed diabetes

• Early type 2 diabetes treatment prolongs life

The university said the research indicated that earlier diagnosis and treatment were critical to tackling poor outcomes for those with diabetes from that section of the community.

'Huge, growing problem'

Prof Tom Lawton, head of clinical AI at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, said: "Diabetes is a huge and growing problem across the UK, not least in Bradford which has amongst the highest prevalence of diabetes in the UK.

"Using AI to deliver personalised and bespoke care has the potential to transform lives, but it’s important that safety, both from a physical and ethical perspective, are considered carefully before introducing any kind of AI."

He added that although "the outskirts have lower diabetes rates... the centre of Bradford, which has most of the South Asian population, is the highest in the country".

According to research by the British Heart Foundation, people of South Asian heritage had an almost two-fold greater risk of diabetes across every age group, despite adjusting for risk factors.

It found that South Asian men had the highest risk while white European women were at lowest risk.

The British Heart Foundation also found South Asian women had a similar risk to white European men.

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