A test to ascertain if a person is predisposed to type 2 diabetes and develop better treatments for ...
A test to ascertain if a person is predisposed to type 2 diabetes and develop better treatments for the condition, looks set to be on the cards.
Imperial College London scientists have identified the genes that raise the risk of getting the condition. This is the first research to have mapped the genetic make-up of any disease in such detail.
The scientists compared the genetic make-up of 700 people with type 2 diabetes and a family history of the condition, with 700 diabetes-free people.
Once they found the four culprit regions, they confirmed their findings by checking the genetic make-up of 5,000 more people with type 2 diabetes and a family-history of the condition.
After scanning nearly 400,000 mutations, the scientists found that one of the genetic mutations they identified could potentially explain the cause behind type 2 diabetes.
They found sufferers have a particular mutation in a gene involved in the transportation of zinc around the body and insulin secretion.
Commenting on the findings, Professor Philippe Froguel, a researcher at Imperial College London, said they meant "we can create a good genetic test to predict people's risk of developing this type of diabetes".
He added: "If we can tell someone that their genetics mean they are predisposed towards type 2 diabetes, they will be much more motivated to change things such as their diet to reduce their chances of developing the disorder."
Iain Frame, research manager at Diabetes UK, said the results of the research looked promising as they could potentially help the early identification of people with a genetic risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin produced does not work properly. If it is not treated, long-term complications can include heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, circulation problems, and damage to the nerves, kidneys and eyes.
