Evaluation of EZSCAN as a screening tool for impaired glucose metabolism

To evaluate the performance of EZSCAN as a screening tool for impaired glucose metabolism (IGM), including impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose and undiagnosed diabetes in a Chinese population.

876 subjects participated in the study. All subjects underwent tests of EZSCAN, glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Correlation of electrical skin conductance (ESC) with glucose level was evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient. EZSCAN performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve.

Among the 876 subjects, 53% had normal glucose tolerance (NGT), and 47% had IGM. The ESC for the hands and feet was 72 ± 10 μS and 75 ± 7 μS, respectively, in NGT group; and 64 ± 13 μS and 67 ± 11 μS, respectively, in IGM group. The ESC at hands and feet was significantly correlated with both 2h-OGTT and FPG (p<0.001). NGT group demonstrated a EZSCAN score of 33 ± 11%, which is significantly lower than that of IGM group (44 ± 12%, p<0.001). The cut-off point of EZSCAN for IGM detection was 40% with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 72%.

EZSCAN is a useful screening tool for identifying subjects at increased risk for impaired glucose metabolism in prediabetes and diabetes. Diagnostic laboratory test should be performed in subjects with EZSCAN scores greater than 40%.