US, July 15 -- Researchers writing in Frontiers in Science propose using simple tests to track metabolic health in non-communicable diseases, which cause three in four deaths worldwide.

The paper makes the case for using the glucose ketone index (GKI)-the ratio of glucose and ketones in blood taken from a finger prick.

The proposed test could indicate metabolic state, assess long-term nutritional adherence, and support the monitoring of strategies aimed at improving mitochondrial function, which is linked to many non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The commonest chronic NCDs-including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and neurodegeneration-are forecast to rise substantially worldwide by 2050 and overtake infe...