Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

Palo-Santo-Candles

Vocal Biomarkers to Diagnose Diabetes

Vocal biomarkers

nevarpp from Getty Images Pro/CanvaPro

Researchers at the Luxembourg Institute of Health have developed a voice-based algorithm with the help of artificial intelligence that can potentially detect Type 2 diabetes. The screening analyzes subtle changes in a person’s voice, which are not usually noticeable to the human ear. This could represent an early and noninvasive diagnostic tool. Diabetes can affect the vocal cords as a result of nerve damage, thereby affecting voice quality.

The technology was tested in a study of 600 U.S. participants published in PLOS Digital Health. Researchers deemed the accuracy of the algorithm to be comparable to traditional risk assessment tools recommended by the American Diabetes Association. Next steps include refining the algorithm to detect pre-diabetes and expanding its use in other languages.

The Luxembourg researchers estimate there are 400 million undiagnosed cases of Type 2 diabetes worldwide. Without treatment, this disease can lead to serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease and neuropathy, as well as higher healthcare costs and even mortality. Current screening relies on blood tests

In-Print National Content Global and Health Briefs Health Brief March 2025
Tick Talk

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

Upcoming Events Near You
Follow Us On Facebook