Your Genes Do Not Sugarcoat When It Comes To Diabetes!

What is type II diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus type II is a long term metabolic disorder that results in a high blood sugar, insulin resistance and/or lower insulin levels.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 9.3% of the US population has this disorder.

Formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, it occurs most often in middle-aged and elderly people.

Over time, high blood glucose can cause serious complications with the heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums, and teeth.

What causes type II diabetes?

The special cells in the pancreas, called the beta cells produce a hormone called insulin.

Insulin moves blood sugar or glucose into the cells.

When one suffers from type 2 diabetes, the fat, liver, and muscle cells respond incorrectly to insulin.

This is called insulin resistance.

The glucose is incapable of entering the cells, and a high level of sugar builds up in the blood.

This is known as hyperglycemia.

Insulin resistance is the most common cause of type 2 diabetes.

But sometimes, type 2 diabetes can be caused by decreased production of insulin by the beta cells.

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What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes can cause serious complications, which is why it is essential to identify the symptoms as early as possible.

Most of the symptoms are a result of increased blood sugar levels. These include:

1. Increased thirst
2. Increased hunger
3. Frequent urination
4. Fatigue
5. Dry mouth
6. Unexplained weight loss
7. Blurred vision
8. Headache

Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

1. Slow-healing sores or cuts
2. Velvety dark skin changes of the neck, armpit, groin
3. Numbness and tingling of hands and feet
4. Decreased vision

What are the type 2 diabetes risk factors?

Chances of developing type 2 diabetes depend on a combination of risk factors including genes and lifestyle.

While the genetic risk factors cannot be changed, making the required changes in our lifestyle is very much within our hands. 

You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you

• Are overweight or obese
• Are 45 years or older
• Have a family history of diabetes
• Are African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander
• Have high blood pressure
• Have a low level of HDL (“good”) cholesterol or a high level of triglycerides
• Have a history of gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more
• Are not physically active
• Have a history of heart disease or stroke

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The genetic component to type II diabetes

Research has identified at least 150 genetic variations that are associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Each person possesses variations that can either increase or decrease the risk.

The combination of these variations determines a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.

The genetic variations may directly or indirectly affect the following:

• Development and function of beta cells in the pancreas
• Production of insulin
• Sensitivity to insulin

However, for many of the variations that have been found to be associated with type 2 diabetes, the mechanism by which they contribute to the disease is unknown.

Gene 1: IGF2BP2

IGF2BP2 gene encodes a protein that binds the 5’ UTR of insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA and regulates its translation.

It plays an important role in the metabolism, and variation in this gene is associated with susceptibility to diabetes.

Studies have shown an increased risk of T2D for those with the rs4402960 polymorphism.

In the case-control study, the carriers of TT genotype at rs4402960 had a higher T2DM risk than the G carriers (TG + GG)

rs4402960

In conclusion, the analysis suggested that rs4402960 polymorphism in IGF2BP2 is associated with elevated T2D risk, but these associations vary in different ethnic populations. 

Gene 2: PPARG

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) plays a critical role in regulating insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis and can be associated with improved insulin sensitivity.

Research has shown that GLUT2 and β-glucokinase (important to glucose homeostasis) are directly activated by PPAR-γ.

Additionally, PPAR-gamma has been implicated in the pathology of numerous diseases including obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer.

Inactivating mutations of the gene encoding PPAR gamma are associated with insulin resistance type 2 diabetes.

rs17036314 is an SNP in the PPARG gene that is found to increase the chance of type 2 diabetes.

rs17036314

Gene 3: SLC30A8

SLC30A8, a zinc transporter gene, is associated with type 2 diabetes.

It is involved in the accumulation of zinc in intracellular vesicles.

This gene is expressed at a high level only in the pancreas, particularly in the islets of Langerhans.

The common polymorphism rs13266634 was associated with lowered beta-cell function and a 14% increase in diabetes abundance per risk (C) allele.

This variant encodes a tryptophan-to-arginine switch at position 325 in the protein.

This results in reduced zinc transport activity and, consequently, decreased intragranular zinc levels. 

The SLC30A8 polymorphism is found associated with reduced insulin secretion, but not with insulin resistance.

rs13266634

Gene 4: HHEX

HHEX gene encodes a member of the homeobox family of transcription factors. Its polymorphisms show association with type 2 diabetes.

The major role of HHEX protein is interacting with signaling molecules.

It plays a role in embryonic development of the pancreas, liver, and thyroid.

A study linked that polymorphism rs7923837 is associated with impaired insulin response.

The risk allele of rs1111875 and rs7923837 in the HHEX gene are associated with reduced beta-cell secretion capacity.

rs1111875

rs7923837

Gene 5: TCF7L2

The TCF7L2 gene plays a role in controlling blood sugar levels.

It is involved in adipogenesis (formation of fat cells) and is associated with glucose intolerance and impaired insulin secretion.

The SNP within the TCF7L2 gene, rs7903146, plays a role in this association.

The risk allele results in the overexpression of the gene in the pancreatic beta cells, thus reducing insulin secretion.

The reduced insulin secretion explains the increased hepatic glucose production. 

In conclusion, the increased risk of T2D conferred by variants in TCF7L2 involves the enhanced expression of the gene in islets and impaired insulin secretion.

rs7903146

Gene 6: KCNJ11

KCNJ11 in tandem with several other genes mediates the regulation of insulin released.

Reduced expression of KCNJ11 may increase the risk of type II diabetes.

The rs5219 A allele plays a crucial role in insulin secretion by decreasing the ATP sensitivity of the Potassium ATP channel and suppressing insulin secretion. However, the mechanism involved is still unclear. 

rs5219

You may also be interested in Diabetes: A Genetic Overview

What do I do with my genetic information?

Type II Diabetes is a complex condition with several contributing factors, genetics included.

Having certain genetic predispositions increases the individual’s risk of developing the disorder, however, it is not a guarantee that the person will inherit it.

This is because other factors play a role in its onset.

Knowing your genetic makeup empowers you with information to reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes by altering the factors that are in your control.

How to prevent the onset of type II diabetes?

Research such as the Diabetes Prevention Program shows that you can do a lot to reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Here are some things you can change to lower your risk:

• Lose weight and stay that way: Weight control is a crucial part of diabetes prevention.

You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 10 percent of your current weight.

For example, if you weigh 250 pounds, your goal would be to lose between 12.5 to 25 pounds.

• Exercise: Incorporate thirty minutes of physical activities into your daily schedule.

Insulin resistance reduces with regular exercises and better utilization of glucose by the cells. 

• Quit smoking: Smoking can contribute to insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.

• Keep your heart healthy: If you have increased blood pressure or any heart conditions, take measures to keep them in check as they increase the risk of type II diabetes.

• Maintain a healthy diet:  Keep your daily calorie count in check.

Choose foods that have lesser fat content.

If losing weight is the goal, a high-fiber, low-fat diet may help you.

Drink water in plenty and stay away from those soft drinks!

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Diabetes-friendly diet:

Altering one’s diet is one of the best ways type 2 diabetes prevention and this can be done by including and excluding a few items in the diet. 

Foods to eat:

A diet of beans, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit can prevent type II diabetes.

High nutrient, low glycemic load foods are the best food for diabetics, and those looking to prevent it.

• Green vegetables: Nutrient-rich green vegetables, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables are very important for diabetes prevention.

An analysis found that leafy vegetable intake was related to a 14% decrease in the risk of type 2 diabetes.

•  No starchy vegetables: Non-green, non-starchy vegetables like garlic, onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc are essential components of diabetes prevention.

They have close to no effect on blood glucose and are rich in fiber and phytochemicals.

• Beans: Beans, lentils and other legumes are the best carbohydrate source.

Beans have low glycemic load due to their increased fiber and resistant starch (carbohydrates that are not broken down in the small intestine).

• Nuts and seeds: Nuts are low in glycemic load, promote weight loss, and have anti-inflammatory effects that may prevent the development of insulin resistance.

• Fresh Fruit: Fruits are rich in fiber and antioxidants and are a nutrient-dense choice for satisfying sweet cravings.

Eating three servings of fresh fruit each day results in an 18% decrease in the risk of diabetes.

Foods to Avoid:

Foods that increase blood sugar levels or reduce sensitivity to insulin increase the risk for type 2 diabetes. These include:

• Added Sugars: Sugary processed foods and aerated drinks cause a dangerous spike in sugar levels.

Fibers slow down the absorption of glucose into the blood.

However, these foods are devoid of sugar and can cause a sharp increase in blood glucose levels.

• Refined Grains: Refined carbohydrates such as white rice, white pasta, and white bread do not contain the fiber that their original grain counterpart has, so they raise blood glucose faster and higher than their intact, unprocessed counterparts.

• Fried Foods: Fried foods are rich in cooked starches and have a high glycemic index.

They increase the chances of getting type 2 diabetes in the long run.

• Trans Fats: Other than the effects they have on the heart trans fats also reduce insulin sensitivity.

This leads to increased glucose levels and a greater risk of diabetes.

• Red and Processed Meats: Studies have proven that an increased intake of meat increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

A meta-analysis conducted concluded that:

• • High meat intake increased the risk by 17%
  • High red meat intake increased the risk by 21%
  • High processed meat intake increased the risk by 41%

Xcode Life Gene Health Report analyzes the genetic variants for type 2 diabeties, anxiety, heart disease, and more than 45 categories of health-related traits.