Genetics for targeting disease prevention: diabetes

Association of Genetic Variants of KCNJ11 and KCNQ1 Genes with Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the Indian Population: A Case-Control Study

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a polygenic metabolic disease described by hyperglycemia, which is caused by insulin resistance or reduced insulin secretion. The interaction between various genetic variants and environmental factors triggers T2DM. The aim of this study was to find risk associated with genetic variants rs5210 and rs2237895 of KCNJ11 and KCNQ1 genes, respectively, in the development of T2DM in the Indian population. A total number of 300 cases of T2DM and 100 control samples were studied to find the polymorphism in KCNJ11 and KCNQ1 through PCR-RFLP. The genotype and allele frequencies in T2DM cases were significantly different compared to the control population. KCNJ11 rs5210 and KCNQ1 rs2237895 variants were found to be significantly associated with risk of T2DM in dominant (KCNJ11: OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.30-3.27; p - 0.001; KCNQ1: OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.46-3.70; p - 0.0003) and codominant models (KCNJ11: OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.09-2.84; p - 0.020; KCNQ1: OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.16-2.95; p - 0.009). We also compared clinicopathological characteristics between cases and control and observed a significant difference in all the parameters except HDL, gender, and family history. In this study, clinicopathological data with a carrier of a variant allele of both KCNJ11 and KCNQ1 genes were also analysed, and a significant association was found between the carrier of a variant allele with gender and PPG in KCNJ11 and with triglyceride in KCNQ1. We confirm the significant association of KCNJ11 (rs5210) and KCNQ1 (rs2237895) gene polymorphism with T2DM, indicating the role of these variants in developing risk for T2DM in Indian population.

Identification of risk factors affecting impaired glucose metabolism among the adult population of district Srinagar

BACKGROUND

The World has seen an emerging trend of diabetes among adolescents and moderately aged people over the last decade. The aim of the study was to identify the risk factors associated with impaired glucose metabolism and the prevalence of impaired glucose metabolism among the adult population of district Srinagar.

METHODS

Multi-stage cluster random sampling design was used and from each household, participants were selected using a Kish grid method. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected. The participants were then subjected to fasting venous blood glucose estimation.

RESULTS

Age, waist circumference, hip circumference, weight, and body mass index were all statistically significant between normoglycemic participants and those with impaired glucose metabolism (p < 0.018). On logistic regression, subjects who had a higher BMI were more likely to develop Impaired glucose metabolism (OR = 3.52, OR 95% CI = 1.25-9.87); Moreover, consumption of carbonated drinks, (3-6 times/week OR = 4.40, OR 95% CI = 2.06-9.40; >6 times/week OR = 11.04, OR 95% CI = 0.86-140.66) was found to be a potential risk factor. Participants with a family history of diabetes were more susceptible to develop impaired glucose metabolism (OR = 6.41, OR 95% CI = 3.22-12.78). The risk effect of these factors was even stronger before adjusting for age, sex, family history of diabetes, and BMI in participants.

CONCLUSION

Risk factors for impaired glucose metabolism include increasing age, obesity, and higher consumption of carbonated drinks, hypertension, smoking behavior, high-calorie diet intake and positive family history of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes in Asians: prevalence, risk factors, and effectiveness of behavioral intervention at individual and population levels

This review summarizes the current data on diabetes risk factors, prevalence, and prevention efforts in Asia and Asian migrant populations. Studies indicate that type 2 diabetes mellitus is a large and growing threat to public health in Asian populations. Furthermore, Asian subgroups (e.g., South Asians/Asian Indians, Chinese) have unique risk factor profiles for developing diabetes, which differ from other populations and between Asian ethnic groups. Lifestyle intervention programs are effective in preventing diabetes in Asians, as with other ethnicities. The strength of these findings is lessened by the lack of systematically collected data using objective measurements. Large epidemiologic studies of diabetes prevalence and risk factor profiles and translational trials identifying sustainable and culturally acceptable lifestyle programs for Asian subgroups are needed.

Baseline correlates of insulin resistance in inner city high-BMI African-American children

To characterize the influence of diet-, physical activity-, and self-esteem-related factors on insulin resistance in 8- 10-year-old African-American (AA) children with BMI greater than the 85th percentile who were screened to participate in a community-based type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevention trial. In 165 subjects, fasting glucose- and insulin-derived values for homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) assessed insulin resistance. Body fatness was calculated following bioelectrical impedance analysis, and fitness was measured using laps from a 20-m shuttle run. Child questionnaires assessed physical activity, dietary habits, and self-esteem. Pubertal staging was assessed using serum levels of sex hormones. Parent questionnaires assessed family demographics, family health, and family food and physical activity habits. Girls had significantly higher percent body fat but similar anthropometric measures compared with boys, whereas boys spent more time in high-intensity activities than girls. Scores for self-perceived behavior were higher for girls than for boys; and girls desired a more slender body. Girls had significantly higher insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), compared with boys (P < 0.01). Adjusting for age, sex, pubertal stage, socioeconomic index (SE index), and family history of diabetes, multivariate regression analysis showed that children with higher waist circumference (WC) (P < 0.001) and lower Harter's scholastic competence (SC) scale (P = 0.044) had higher insulin resistance. WC and selected self-esteem parameters predicted insulin resistance in high-BMI AA children. The risk of T2DM may be reduced in these children by targeting these factors.

Type 2 diabetes and inheritance: what information do diabetes organizations provide on the Internet?

AIMS

The worldwide epidemic of Type 2 diabetes necessitates preventive actions. Providing information to high-risk populations is key. In an international comparison of websites, we aimed to investigate the presence and quality of information provided by diabetes organizations on inheritance of Type 2 diabetes and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle targeted at those with a family history or belonging to a specific ethnic population.

METHODS

All websites included in the International Diabetes Federation member list in English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish and Japanese were included for assessment. Using qualitative content analysis, we reviewed 34 websites which provided health-related information on diabetes.

RESULTS

Most websites mention family history as a risk factor. However, an explanation of the interaction of lifestyle factors and increased genetic susceptibility is lacking. Ethnicity is mentioned in only half of the sites describing risk factors. Although most websites do provide information on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, they do not address specific high-risk groups. Only two websites encourage Type 2 diabetic patients to inform family members of the familial character of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Information on inheritance of Type 2 diabetes and prevention specifically targeted at high-risk groups on the Internet by diabetes organizations is often of poor quality or indeed is lacking. Efforts should be made to disseminate information on heredity of Type 2 diabetes and preventive options to the general public and high-risk populations.

Family history of type 2 diabetes: a population-based screening tool for prevention?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the use of self-reported family medical history as a potential screening tool to identify people at-risk for diabetes.

METHODS

The HealthStyles 2004 mail survey comprises 4345 US adults who completed a questionnaire to ascertain personal and family history of diabetes, perceived risk of diabetes, and practice of risk-reducing behaviors. Using number and type of affected relatives, respondents were ranked into three familial risk levels. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were obtained to evaluate associations between familial risk and prevalent diabetes, perceived risk of disease, and risk-reducing behaviors. Validity of family history as a screening tool was examined by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values.

RESULTS

Compared to those of average risk, people with moderate and high familial risk of diabetes were more likely to report a diagnosis of diabetes (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 2.8, 4.7; OR: 7.6, 95% CI: 5.9, 9.8, respectively), a higher perceived risk of diabetes (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 3.7, 5.7; OR: 8.5, 95% CI: 6.6, 17.7, respectively), and making lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.8, 2.7; OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 3.6, 5.6, respectively). A positive familial risk of diabetes identified 73% of all respondents with diabetes and correctly predicted prevalent diabetes in 21.5% of respondents.

CONCLUSION

Family history of diabetes is not only a risk factor for the disease but is also positively associated with risk awareness and risk-reducing behaviors. It may provide a useful screening tool for detection and prevention of diabetes.