The Diabetes Gene

Researchers at St.Louis University came to the conclusion that 50% of Americans may have a hereditary gene that can cause diabetes. The gene FABP2 determines how your body absorbs fat from food and has been the subject of research in determining whether heredity and genetics may play a role in your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. There are two versions of this gene known as Thr54 and Ala54. According to research, those with Thr54 had a higher rate of fat absorption than those with Ala54. Those with Thr54 also had a lower tolerance for glucose and a higher fasting glucose concentration.

According to the study, neither variation is more common than the other. What this means is that 50% of Americans have the Ala54 variation and run a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. Having the variant version of the gene does not guarantee that you will develop Type 2 diabetes as it is only one of many risk factors, however, compounding that with other risk factors can greatly increse your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. By avoiding risk factors such as bad eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity, even those with the variant gene can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.