The findings indicate a blood screening could help determine a person's risk of diabetes or heart problems.

In the study, researchers measured proinflammatory factors in blood samples from normal weight and obese people known to be at risk of diabetes and heart disease.

The obese had higher levels of mononuclear cells -- types of immune system cells -- in a proinflammatory state and lower levels of factors that inhibit inflammation.

The proinflammatory state of the cells could contribute to hardening of the arteries and interfere with insulin signaling, which could lead to diabetes.

A change in diet or medication or both may be required to help control the inflammation, the researchers said. They are conducting studies to determine whether such strategies adequately reduce the inflammation in obese people.

Source: Diabetes In Control.com: Journal of Circulation, Sept. 21, 2004.