Pulse Photoplethysmogram System for Diabetes Assessment

The present invention provides a method for assessing diabetes in an individual by characterization of a pulse waveform indicative of the response of a portion of the cardiovascular system of the individual to pressure pulses produced during the cardiac cycle, where "assessing diabetes" comprises determining the presence or likelihood of diabetes; the degree of progression of diabetes; a change in the presence, likelihood, or progression of diabetes; a probability of having, not having, developing, or not developing diabetes; the presence, absence, progression, or likelihood of complications from diabetes; or a combination thereof. Embodiments of the present invention comprise determining a measure of arterial compliance of the individual from the pulse waveform; and assessing diabetes based on the measure of arterial compliance.