(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- New research links a genetic variation to increased
blood sugar concentration, the main metabolic characteristic of diabetes.
Scientists found a genetic variation at the hexokinase-1 gene can vary the blood
concentration of glycated hemoglobin. Used in the follow-up of diabetes
patients, glycated hemoglobin is an index of long-term blood glucose
concentration.
Researchers analyzed glycated hemoglobin concentration in a group of women from
the Women’s Genome Health Study, a large study aimed at identifying genetic
variations that predict future disease in otherwise healthy women.
Study authors say further research will need to be done to fully understand the
role of hexokinase-1 gene variations, but hope these findings will lead to
better understanding of the mechanisms underlying diabetes.
SOURCE: PLoS Genetics, published online Dec. 19, 2008
