Artificial intelligence (AI) is offering new hope for early detection of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a groundbreaking study. Researchers have found that AI can analyze eye scans to predict whether diabetic patients are at risk of developing kidney disease—sometimes years before traditional diagnostic tests would provide any warning.
Kidney disease, a common and often silent complication of type 2 diabetes, frequently progresses without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This makes early detection vital for preventing irreversible damage. The study, presented at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2025, highlights how eye screenings, typically used to monitor for diabetic retinopathy, can now also serve as a diagnostic tool for kidney issues.
The AI tool, developed by researchers from the Universities of Dundee and Glasgow, was trained using nearly one million eye screening images from over 100,000 people with type 2 diabetes. By analyzing these images, the AI was able to distinguish between patients with and without kidney disease. The tool was then validated with data from 30,000 patients, demonstrating an 86% accuracy rate in identifying existing kidney disease. Additionally, it was able to predict who might develop the condition in the next five years with 78% accuracy.
“This AI tool outperforms traditional tests by detecting the risk of kidney disease long before standard methods provide any indication,” said Dr. Alex Doney, lead researcher of the study. “The retina at the back of the eye offers a unique view of the body’s blood vessels, allowing AI to identify subtle changes that may signal early health declines, including kidney damage.”
Diabetes UK, the leading charity supporting the study, emphasizes the significance of these findings. Dr. Elizabeth Robertson, the charity’s Director of Research, described the potential impact of the technology: “Kidney damage often progresses silently until it’s too late for effective intervention. By detecting early signs through eye scans, this AI approach could provide critical opportunities for healthcare professionals to take preventive measures.”
The research could change the way diabetic patients are monitored for kidney disease, turning routine eye screenings into a powerful tool not only for eye health but also for predicting and preventing other complications associated with diabetes. As AI technology continues to advance, it may revolutionize the way healthcare providers manage diabetes-related health risks, ultimately improving patient outcomes and saving lives.
This innovative AI-driven approach to kidney disease detection is part of a broader effort to incorporate artificial intelligence into medical diagnostics, offering the potential for earlier, more accurate interventions across a wide range of health conditions.
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