News from Diabetes UK: A new understanding and possible
treatment for Type 2 diabetes could be on its way after one of
the largest genetic studies to date discovered nine new genes
linked to the condition. The genes and blood glucose levels of
over 120,000 volunteers were studied by scientists from 174
research centres across the world. A set of genes that control
the body’s response to glucose in the blood was identified. “An
incredibly important finding” “This is an incredibly important
finding,” said Jim Wilson, a geneticist from Edinburgh
University involved in the study. “The discovery of these new
genes influencing blood sugar levels is the first step on the
important journey to developing new therapies for diabetes.” A
drug to prevent Type 2 diabetes? “It opens up a whole new area
of research to find which proteins are ‘druggable’. Genetics is
like a can-opener: it allows us to get inside and understand
what’s going on.” The study’s scientists hope that in five to 10
years they will be able to identify