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A team of scientists from the University of Cambridge have made significant progress in understanding the mechanisms that lead to Type 2 diabetes. Their findings, published in the journal Nature Genetics, could pave the way for new treatments for the condition.
The study focused on the mechanisms that trigger insulin resistance after a meal, which is a key contributing factor to Type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that 10 new loci (regions of the genome) are associated with insulin resistance, and eight of these regions are also linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.
The team also identified a gene associated with GLUT4, a protein that facilitates glucose transport from the bloodstream into cells after eating. They found that reduced levels of GLUT4 in muscle tissues corresponded with a genetic variant that is linked to insulin resistance.
Further investigations using cell lines from mice revealed 14 genes that are crucial to GLUT4 trafficking and glucose uptake. Nine of these genes were previously unknown in the context of insulin regulation.
These findings provide new insights into the complex mechanisms of blood glucose regulation and could lead to the development of new treatments for Type 2 diabetes. Early detection of post-meal glucose regulation issues could also serve as a warning sign of increased risk for the condition.
The researchers say that their findings could help to develop precision healthcare approaches for Type 2 diabetes. This would involve tailoring treatments to the individual’s specific genetic profile and risk factors.
The study is a significant step forward in the understanding of Type 2 diabetes and could lead to new ways to prevent and treat the condition.
