Genes increase diabetes risk

Never has there been a more important time to focus on effective ways to stem the tide of diabetes.

Since the discovery of insulin 60 years ago, diabetes has been perceived as a disease that is easy to control. But according to Dr Maha Taysir Barakat, Consultant Endocrinologist, Medical & Research Director at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC) Abu Dhabi, the incidence of the illness in this country is increasing.

"The worrying feature is that diabetes does not always give you symptoms, and many of those with diabetes do not know they have it. If diabetes is diagnosed and managed early, then most of the debilitating and life threatening complications can be prevented," she said.

Speaking at the Diabetic 2007 Convention in held in Abu Dhabi, Professor Froguel, Chair in Genomic Medicine, Imperial College London stated the recent finding of their research in this field.

"For the first time the genetic makeup of any disease has been mapped in such detail. It should enable scientists to develop a genetic test to show an individual their likelihood of developing diabetes mellitus type 2, commonly known as type-2 diabetes," he said.

The researchers identified four loci, or points on individuals' genetic maps, which corresponded to a risk of developing the disorder.

In addition, one of the genetic mutations which they detected might further explain the causes behind type-2 diabetes, potentially leading to new treatments. The research revealed that people with type-2 diabetes have a mutation in a particular zinc transporter known as SLC30A8, which is involved in regulating insulin secretion. Type-2 diabetes is associated with a deficiency in insulin and the researchers believe it may be possible to treat it by fixing this transporter.

"Our research shows that technology can generate big leaps forward. The task now is to study the genes identified in our work more intensively, to understand more fully the disease processes involved, devise therapies for those affected and to try to prevent future cases." said Professor Froguel.

"If we can tell someone that their genetics mean they are pre-disposed towards type-2 diabetes, they will be much more motivated to change things such as their diet to reduce their chances of developing the disorder. We can also use what we know about the specific genetic mutations associated with type-2 diabetes to develop better treatments" he continued.

ICLDC and Emirates Foundation are showing the public how important it is to be aware of risk factors leading to diabetes by introducing Diabetes-I Wonder... the first activity of many for Diabetes-Knowledge-Action.

The Diabetes-Knowledge-Action initiative disseminates information about diabetes prevention, symptoms and lifestyle support activities. It aims to help prevent rising diabetes incidence by encouraging nationwide testing for this illness in which the UAE ranks alarmingly high, second only to the small Western Pacific island of Nauru (source: International Diabetes Federation).

Community activity planned

Diabetes. Knowledge. Action. and the activities throughout the initiative will encourage more community activity, such as, I Eat Right, an educational initiative aimed at getting children, mothers and carers to take a look at, and possibly change, what's in lunch boxes; I Play Sports, a fun Corporate World vs. the Field Professionals football tournament, I Walk to bring the community together in a walkathon to raise awareness and finally I Cook Healthily, a recipe book and DVD to show people how they can cook fabulous meals that are good for them.
Abu Dhabi's state-of-the-art diabetes centre, ICLDC, was officially opened just seven months ago (August 2006) by His Highness, Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan and is now the UAE's largest, multi-disciplinary diabetes facility.

It is dedicated to prevention, treatment, training and research covering all aspects of diabetes and its complications.

ICLDC is wholly owned by Mubadala Development and was created as a result of the strategic partnership between Mubadala Development and Imperial College London, a world leading science-based university with the largest medical school in Western Europe.