Artificial intelligence (AI) has once again demonstrated its power! Now, a mere 25-second voice recording can be used to detect whether a person has type-2 diabetes. Scientists at the Luxembourg Institute of Health claim this new discovery identifies a specific change in the voices of those affected by diabetes, referred to as a ‘voice signature.’
How does the AI algorithm work?
Researchers have developed a specialized AI algorithm capable of identifying subtle changes in voice. Type-2 diabetes affects the lungs, muscles, and nerves, potentially causing slight hoarseness, tension, and alterations in vowel sounds (such as ‘ah’) in a person's voice. This algorithm was tested on voice recordings from 607 individuals, each reciting a specific text for 30 seconds.
How accurate is the AI?
According to the research results, this AI algorithm correctly identified type-2 diabetes in 71% of men and 66% of women. This research has been published in the PLOS Digital Health journal.
Why is it possible to identify diabetes through voice?
Dr. Guy Fagherazzi, Director of Precision Health at the Luxembourg Institute of Health, explains that type-2 diabetes affects the way the lungs function. When we speak, air passes through the voice box, and vibration produces sound. This process involves small muscles in the neck and throat, which can be affected by diabetes. This is why there are changes in the voices of people suffering from diabetes.
AI will also identify other diseases besides diabetes
This technology is not limited to diabetes. Scientists are now also using AI to identify diseases such as mental health conditions and Parkinson's.
Depression: The voice of an affected individual exhibits low energy, slow speed, and monotony.
Parkinson's: AI has also proven quite accurate in identifying its early symptoms.
Home-based diabetes testing in the future
Researchers believe that in the future, people will be able to use this technology through their smartphones or smart devices to identify diabetes at home and begin treatment early. This AI discovery could be a major game-changer for the healthcare industry in the future.
