Three unexpected areas of human DNA have yielded groundbreaking diabetes information. The particular parts of DNA contain clear genetic diabetes risk factors, whilst a further one is associated with higher levels of blood triglycerides.
Experts from the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Lund University and Novartis unveiled the findings. The three partnered in 2004 to create the Diabetes Genetics Initiative (DGI), and published their findings in the journal Science.
The senior author, David Altshuler, reportedly commented: “For the first time, it is possible to look across the human genome and discover new clues about the root causes of common, devastating diseases that arise from a combination of genes, environment and behavior. The confirmed genetic contributors we and our collaborators have found open surprising new avenues for disease research, treatment and prevention.”
The news could influence the future of healthcare for diabetics, with the ability to create new treatments and spot patients at risk enhanced.
