Scientists find gene causing type 2 diabetes
An international team of scientists has identified the gene for type 2 diabetes, a breakthrough offering hope of a test to predict those predisposed to developing one of the most common illnesses affecting older people. The research, by UK and Canadian scientists, pinpoints the set of genes which appears to raise the risk of adult-onset type-2 diabetes. It identifies five genetic variants linked to the condition which, the academics say, explain up to 70% of the genetic background of type 2 diabetes. Published in the journal Nature, the results of the research show that people with the disease have a mutation in a specific zinc transporter known as SLC30A8, which is involved in regulating the secretion of insulin. As type 2 diabetes is caused by a deficiency in insulin, the researchers believe it may be possible to treat it by fixing this transporter. 'The two major reasons why people develop type 2 diabetes are obesity and a family link. Our new findings mean we can create a good genetic test to predict people's risk of developing this type of diabetes,' said Professor Philippe Froguel, of Imperial College London and one of the authors of the study. 'If we can tell someone 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. We can also use what we know about the specific genetic mutations associated with type 2 diabetes to develop better treatments,' he continued. The scientists reached their conclusions after comparing the genetic makeup of 700 people with type-2 diabetes and a family history of the condition, with 700 controls. If not properly treated, the onset of the disease in adults can cause severe long term complications, such as blindness, amputations and kidney disease. Of the millions of diabetes sufferers, 90% are type 2, the late-onset variant - often blamed on obesity - which afflicts adults whose body does not make enough insulin. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of type 2 sufferers is likely to increase by half over the next decade.
Countries
Canada, United Kingdom