Means and methods for predicting diabetes

A method for diagnosing diabetes or a predisposition therefor comprising:

• (a) determining the amount of glyoxylate in a test sample of a subject suspected to suffer from diabetes or to have a predisposition therefor;
• and
• (b) comparing the amount determined in step (a) to a reference, whereby diabetes or a predisposition therefor is to be diagnosed.

A method for diagnosing diabetes accompanied by a co-morbidity or a predisposition therefor, said method comprising:

• (a) determining the amount of glyoxylate in a test sample of a subject suspected to suffer from diabetes accompanied by a co-morbidity or to have a predisposition therefor wherein said sample has been obtained from the subject during an OGTT at about 2 hours after the onset of the test;
• and
• (b) comparing the amount determined in step (a) to a reference, whereby diabetes accompanied by a co-morbidity or a predisposition therefor is to be diagnosed.

A device for diagnosing diabetes or a predisposition therefor in a sample of a subject suspected to suffer therefrom comprising:

• (a) an analyzing unit comprising a detection agent for glyoxylate which allows for determining the amount of glyoxylate present in the sample;
• and, operatively linked thereto,
• (b) an evaluation unit comprising a stored reference and a data processor which allows for comparing the amount of glyoxylate determined by the analyzing unit to the stored reference, whereby diabetes or the predisposition therefor is diagnosed.

A kit for diagnosing diabetes or a predisposition therefor comprising a detection agent for glyoxylate and glyoxylate standards the concentration of which is derived from a subject or a group of subjects known to suffer from diabetes or to have a predisposition therefor or derived from a subject or a group of subjects known to not suffer from diabetes or to not have a predisposition therefor.