New blood test could help spot children at risk of serious illnesses, study finds

Lipids have traditionally been thought to be fatty acids – good or bad types of cholesterol or triglycerides. But scientists now think the picture is more complex. Photograph: Roop Dey/Alamy

Scientists say a new blood test that analyses lipids could make it easier to identify children at risk of serious health conditions including type 2 diabetes, liver and heart disease.

Researchers at King’s College London said the test capitalised on a link between lipids and diseases affecting metabolism in children, and could serve as an early warning system for potentially life-threatening illnesses.