Researchers map Type 2 diabetes genes

British scientists claim that they have made a key breakthrough in the battle against diabetes by mapping the most important genes that put people at risk of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). The World Health Organization recognizes two main forms of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 is usually due to autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin. Type 2 is characterized by tissue-wide insulin resistance and varies widely; it sometimes progresses to loss of beta cell function.

Types 1 and 2 are incurable chronic conditions, but have been treatable since insulin became medically available in 1921. Diabetes can cause many complications. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, retinal damage, nerve damage and erectile dysfunction.

Experts have always claimed that some people are more susceptible to diabetes than others due to their genetic make up. However, it is for the first time researchers have identified the most significant genes that amplify the risk of getting type-2 diabetes.

Lead researcher Professor Philippe Froguel of Imperial College London said: "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.

We can also use what we know about the specific genetic mutations associated with Type 2 diabetes to develop better treatments."

The researchers compared the genetic make-up of 700 people with type 2 diabetes and a family history of the condition, with 700 diabetes-free people. One of the genetic mutations they identified, after scanning nearly 400,000 mutations, could potentially explain the cause behind type 2 diabetes. The mutation was in a particular zinc transporter, known as SLC30A8, which is involved in regulating insulin secretion.

Professor David Balding, study co-author said, "The task now is to study the genes identified in our work more intensively, to understand more fully the disease processes involved, devise therapies for those affected and to try to prevent future cases."

The new findings mean that a good genetic test can be developed to predict people's risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.