A simple new tool helps show the potential lifesaving benefits of diabetes treatment, based on a recent study that tested a model for predicting heart risks in patients with type 2 diabetes. The findings were recently published in the European Heart Journal and could be especially useful motivation for patients with long-term treatment plans.

Known as the DIAL (diabetes lifetime-perspective prediction) model, this tool was developed to predict future risk for heart events in patients with type 2 diabetes. Experts hoped that, if successful, the tool could predict how changes in health or treatment could impact risk for life-threatening heart events. Predictions could also aid in treatment decisions and provide motivation to adhere to treatment plans for type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, affecting nearly 28 million adults in the US. It occurs when the body does not process blood sugar properly and can nearly double an individual’s risk of developing heart disease. To create the prediction model, researchers analyzed data from the Swedish National Diabetes Registry, which included nearly 390,000 patients with type 2 diabetes. Researchers looked closely at key risk factors such as age, sex, weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar and their impact on survival and outcomes. This information was then used to predict how changes in things like medication and treatment could affect future risk for heart events.

Ultimately, researchers were successful in developing the model, and when comparing it to other large data sources, found it to be largely accurate. In the study, researchers used the tool to predict things like 10-year and lifetime risk for heart events among patients in other registries and studies. The tool performed very well, according to authors, which is promising.

As a result, the tool is now available for free online at www.u-prevent.com. It is simple to use and available to both patients and providers. First, users are asked to input current data, such as age, blood sugar, cholesterol, and diabetes medications. The tool then generates three charts based on this information. One chart includes how many years a patient is estimated to live free of heart disease, one estimates a patient’s 10-year risk for developing heart disease, and another estimates a patient’s lifetime risk for developing heart disease. You can then adjust factors like blood pressure levels or use of statins and blood thinners to see how the changes might impact outcomes.

For example, the tool may show that a patient’s risk for developing heart disease in the next 10 years is 50% based on their existing health and treatment plan. However, adding additional medications may reduce that risk by 10% and increase years lived free of heart disease.

Of course, researchers note that the tool should not be used in place of meeting with your actual doctor. However, the tool may be useful when considering different treatments by quantifying the potential benefits from medications or lifestyle changes related to type 2 diabetes.