Prediabetes risk classification algorithm via carotid bodies and K-means clustering technique

Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people in the world and its early screening prevents serious health problems, also providing relief in the demand for healthcare services. In the search for methods to support early diagnosis, this article introduces a novel prediabetes risk classification algorithm (PRCA) for type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), utilizing the chemosensitivity of carotid bodies (CB) and K-means clustering technique from the field of machine learning. Heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) data from eight volunteers with prediabetes and 25 without prediabetes were analyzed. Data were collected in basal conditions and after stimulation of the CBs by inhalation of 100% of oxygen and after ingestion of a standardized meal. During the analysis, a greater variability of groups was observed in people with prediabetes compared to the control group, particularly after inhalation of oxygen. The algorithm developed from these results showed an accuracy of 86% in classifying for prediabetes. This approach, centered on CB chemosensitivity deregulation in early disease stages, offers a nuanced detection method beyond conventional techniques. Moreover, the adaptable algorithm and clustering methodology hold promise as risk classifications for other diseases. Future endeavors aim to validate the algorithm through longitudinal studies tracking disease development among volunteers and expand the study's scope to include a larger participant pool.