University of Michigan researchers have found that a snapshot of the retina can detect diabetes and other diseases that affect the retina.

Diabetes interferes with the body’s metabolism, which can result in nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision loss. The researchers’ system picks up signs of metabolic stress in the retina by detecting fluorescence given off by oxidized proteins in dying cells. They found diabetics have elevated levels of autofluorescence compared to age-matched control subjects.

While the system won’t replace blood sugar screening, it could provide an early-warning tool for prediabetes and help monitor diabetic patients. Clinical trials will start in fall 2008.