Researchers identify a genetic marker for Type 2 diabetes
An article published recently in the journal Nature Genetics reports that a team from deCODE genetics in Iceland has identified a specific marker (TCF7L2) which corresponds to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. In Iceland, where the study was conducted, 33 percent of diabetics had a “risky” form of the gene, while it occured in only 26 percent of non-diabetics. A sample of mostly white Americans turned up 39 percent of diabetics with the “risky” form of the gene, and 25 percent of non-diabetics.
Type 2 diabetes typically develops during adulthood, and is frequently associated with overweight and a low physical activity lifestyle. Insulin is a hormone which regulates the movement of sugar carried in the bloodstream and cells which use it for energy. In Type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin, but cells do not respond well to it, resulting in elevated levels of blood sugar which can damage many systems in the body.
Using an estimate of how common the gene variations are in three populations — Icelanders, Danes and white Americans — the researchers calculated that about 21 percent of Type 2 diabetes could be attributed to the presence of the “risky” variations.
As reported by the researchers, having the “risky” form of the gene does not guarantee having Type 2 diabetes. In general, a healthy diet, weight control, and regular exercise program can substantially reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, and can also help manage the symptoms if Type 2 diabetes does occur.
Links:
- Report Explores Cause of Diabetes, Washington Post, January 16, 2006
- Variant of transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene confers risk of type 2 diabetes, Struan F A Grant, Gudmar Thorleifsson, et al, Nature Genetics, January 15, 2006, doi:10.1038/ng1732
- American Diabetes Association
Tags: nutrition, health, diet, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, science
