27 Nov 2024 • A recent study on the genetic basis of early-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) in South Asians revealed that high genetic risk for insulin deficiency and lipodystrophy was associated with earlier T2D diagnosis—specifically, 8.2 years earlier—in South Asian individuals, compared to those at low genetic risk, and with a lower body mass index (BMI).

The insulin deficiency polygenic score (pPS) was also linked to poorer responses to SGLT2 inhibitors and faster progression to insulin dependence and complications.

Additionally, South Asians exhibited a higher genetic burden for both insulin deficiency and lipodystrophy compared to Europeans, further contributing to the earlier onset and more rapid progression of T2D.

These findings underline the significant role genetics plays in T2D among South Asians and suggest that genetic markers could help personalize treatment strategies to better manage the condition in this population.

Source: Nature Medicine Read full story