Scientists discover gene variant that raises diabetes risk

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Half of the US population has a gene variant that impairs glucose tolerance, putting them at risk of diabetes.
Diabetes is an increasing problem, so there is great interest in predisposing factors. Although we know that lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet can contribute to diabetes, genetic factors may also be involved. A team at Saint Louis University has now discovered a gene variant that may increase the risk of diabetes.

They studied a variant of a gene called FABP2 which is involved in the absorption of fat from food. In the study, participants consumed a very rich milkshake and the researchers studied how their bodies processed its fat content. Those with the variant burned more fat, which may have hindered their ability to remove sugar from the bloodstream. This kind of inefficiency in removing sugar can raise the risk of diabetes. The researchers say that half of the US population probably has the FABP2 gene variant. But it does not, in itself, cause diabetes and other genes will also be involved. The study is another step forward in understanding how genes and lifestyle factors contribute to the development of diabetes.

Source
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition January 2007

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