Cystatin C is a blood component that is used to indicate early-stage impairment of the kidney. Now it may serve as a very early marker for those at risk of developing pre-diabetes (a condition that will most likely predispose an individual of having type 2 diabetes).

University of Buffalo researchers found that high levels of cystatin C were associated with a three-fold risk of progression to pre-diabetes in their study population reported in the July 2007 issue of Diabetes Care.

According to Richard P. Donahue, Ph.D., first author on the study:

"It's important to identify people at risk of pre-diabetes very early, because you can prevent this condition from developing by making changes in diet and lifestyle.

If further studies support our finding, testing for cystatin C could become an important part of a standard physical examination. Preventive measures could be in place before glucose intolerance has a chance to develop and take its toll."

Find more details from the full report.