Extra genetic risk factors for diabetes found

New genetic risk factors for type two diabetes have been discovered by researchers, a new study reveals today.

An international collaboration of scientists found that there are now at least ten genetic variants that are associated with increased susceptibility to type two diabetes.

It has been claimed that understanding how these genetic regions contribute to the condition could lead to new strategies for prevention and treatment. The discovery is said to be particularly significant in that less is known about the hereditary causes of diabetes than how lifestyle contributes to its development.

Three independent research groups identified genetic variations that affect type two diabetes risk and then compared their results. They are presented today in the journal Science.

Researcher Leif Groop, a principal investigator in the Diabetes Genetics Initiative, said that this “unprecedented” collaboration has provided “the most extensive view yet of the genetic roots of type two diabetes”.

Dr Elias Zerhouni, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), added: “This achievement represents a major milestone in our battle against diabetes. It will accelerate efforts to understand the genetic risk factors for this disease, as well as explore how these genetic factors interact with each other and with lifestyle factors.

He added that research such as this will herald a new area of customised treatment for individuals and an end of the current one-size-fits all approach to medicine.