The identification of genes that are responsible for diabetes has been recognized resulting in tests that could spot potential diabetics. This study has been reported in the journal Nature.
Professor Philippe Froguel of Imperial College, London who conducted this study along with his team said that hereditary and life style patterns are linked to type 2 diabetes. Hence their study could help in arriving at a genetic test that would envisage people who would be more prone to this disease.The genetic variants that are linked to diabetes are family history, obesity, smoking, and wrong diet. These are the main reason for a person to develop type 2 diabetes which is the commonest form occurring in almost 85 to 95 percent cases. This can be brought under control by adapting to a healthy diet and exercise. Type 1 diabetes generally starts at an early age which forms 5-15% of cases where the body is unable to produce insulin and needs regular shots.
One of the five variants, the SLC30A8, is responsible for the transport of mineral zinc in the body and for the production of insulin which is crucial to metabolize sugar. As type 2 diabetes is signified by insulin deficiency, it can be treated by correcting the faulty zinc transporter. According to Philippe Froguel, this study could also go a long way in developing therapeutic measures for type 2 diabetes.
Source-Medindia
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