New Research Unveils Genetic Risks for Type 2 Diabetes in South Asians

A groundbreaking study from the U.K. has shed light on the underlying genetic factors that contribute to the alarmingly high rates of early onset type 2 diabetes among South Asian populations. The research reveals that genetic predispositions related to insulin deficiency and abnormal fat distribution may play a significant role in this health crisis.

Current global estimates suggest approximately 10% of adults aged 20 to 79 are affected by type 2 diabetes. However, South Asians face a staggering average prevalence of about 13% worldwide, with some countries, such as Pakistan, reporting rates as high as 30%. This substantial difference raises critical questions about the factors contributing to that vulnerability.

Lead researcher Moneeza Siddiqui, PhD, from Queen Mary University of London, expressed in the journal Nature Medicine that South Asians are often diagnosed at a younger age and typically at a lower body mass index compared to their European counterparts. Despite these alarming statistics, the reasons behind this phenomenon remain unclear, primarily because most genetic research has concentrated on individuals of European ancestry.

To address this gap, Siddiqui and colleagues developed multi-ancestry partitioned polygenic risk scores. They utilized data from the Genes and Health study, which encompasses over 60,000 British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani participants. The cohort included not only individuals with type 2 diabetes but also those who had experienced gestational diabetes, shedding light on the multifaceted aspects of diabetes risk in South Asian communities.

The team's analysis revealed particular genetic signatures associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Notably, high genetic risk scores indicating low insulin production and abnormal fat distribution, referred to as lipodystrophy, were closely linked to early onset type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.

Moreover, the findings suggested that individuals with a high genetic predisposition to insulin deficiency face poorer responses to certain diabetes medications, such as SGLT2 inhibitors. They are also at a greater risk of transitioning from gestational diabetes to full-blown type 2 diabetes. The research indicated that those at high genetic risk were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes more than eight years earlier than those with a lower genetic risk profile and faced a higher likelihood of complications.

The implications of this research are profound, leading to calls for more tailored approaches in diabetes management for South Asian populations. Siddiqui noted that while it is uncertain whether genetic tools will ultimately be essential in customizing diabetes treatment, existing laboratory tests like C-peptide could provide valuable insights.

Siddiqui emphasized that initiatives like the Genes and Health study will be pivotal in developing precision medicine strategies that genuinely benefit South Asian communities grappling with the rising threat of type 2 diabetes. As the world faces a diabetes epidemic, understanding these genetic factors could play a crucial role in crafting effective interventions.

Stay tuned as we continue to cover this evolving story that could change the landscape of diabetes treatment and prevention in vulnerable populations!