UoE researchers in genetic diabetes breakthrough

A new set of genes which further explain the causes of late-onset diabetes have been discovered by Edinburgh University researchers.

An international team of scientists from 174 medical research centres contributed to one of the largest genetic studies to date.

“This is an incredibly important finding,” said Dr Jim Wilson, a geneticist from the University of Edinburgh.

“The discovery of these new genes influencing blood sugar levels is the first step on the important journey to developing new therapies for diabetes.”

There are more than 220 million diabetes sufferers worldwide, 90 percent of whom suffer late-onset or “type 2” diabetes. In these people, body tissue builds a resistance to insulin, affecting the regulation of blood sugar levels.

More than 120,000 people took part in the research to isolate exactly which genes are involved in the control of glucose in the bloodstream.

The result was the discovery of nine genes which directly affect the control of blood sugar, several of which were understood to increase the risk of late-onset diabetes.

Dr Wilson expanded on the importance the work: “Genetic studies like this open the door onto disease mechanisms and pathways we have no other way of discovering, and which are the raw material for intelligent drug design.”

The Scottish part of the research group, called ORCADES, was funded by the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government and the Royal Society.

The study has opened up pathways which could change the way in which diabetes is treated and even offer preventative medication for those identified as being the most at risk.

The hope is that within 10 years scientists will be able to identify people who are genetically susceptible to this form of diabetes and provide a drug that will stop the condition developing.

Dr. Wilson explains: “What we have found may not contribute to personalised medicine becoming a reality today, but it will contribute to it happening tomorrow.”