Gene Linked to Diabetes
Reported January 1, 2009
(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 Womens 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