Scientists find diabetes-link genes

Scientists have discovered three new genes linked to diabetes - a breakthrough which they say brings them a step closer to understanding what causes the disease.

The UK study looked at more than two billion pieces of genetic data and 6,000 people with type 2 diabetes.

The condition, which can lead to heart disease, poor eyesight and kidney problems, occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin to maintain normal levels of glucose in the blood. Almost two million Brits have the condition, mostly the over 40s.

Lifestyle factors including poor diet and lack of exercise are known to increase risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but scientists have become increasingly aware of the role played by genetics.

The newly-discovered link to the three genes bring the total number of genes known to be involved in type 2 diabetes to nine. Their exact role is still uncertain, scientists said, but two of them appear to be involved in the development and function of insulin-producing beta cells found in the pancreas.

Professor Mark McCarthy, of the University of Oxford, which took part in the study, said: "This research helps us to understand that, for most people at least, an individual's risk of developing diabetes as they get older is influenced by a number of genes, as well as by their environment."

The research was a collaboration of work by teams from the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter and the University of Dundee.

Professor Andrew Hattersley, of the Peninsula School, said: "We now have significantly more pieces to the jigsaw that will help us understand the mechanisms behind type 2 diabetes.

"Each piece of new knowledge takes us a step closer towards a future with improved prevention and treatment of this very significant condition."

The findings, published online in the journal Science, were welcomed by Diabetes charities.

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