Scientists discover genetic explanation for the Beedies
February 12, 2007 by admin
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
A team of scientists from a number of international institutions has discovered four points on the map of the human gene that are responsible for 70 percent of the genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes, according to a report in the journal Nature.
The causes of type 2 diabetes are still unknown, but opinion varies greatly on the respective roles that genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors play in its development.
Now, with this study, the role of genetics in type 2 diabetes can be both acknowledged and understood with much more clarity.
“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,” said Professor Philippe Froguel of the Division of Medicine at Imperial College London, and one of the researchers. “We can also use what we know about the specific genetic mutations associated with type 2 diabetes to develop better treatments.”
(via Medical News Today)
“If you tell someone they have a genetic predisposition to diabetes, they’ll be more motivated to change?” I find that a preposterously optimistic statement. I knew I had a predisposition to diabetes, and I thought I was motivated to change, and still I got my diagnosis at age 33. I don’t think that knowing the risk is a good motivation for anything but suicide, unless it is known that there are good treatments (including diet, exercise, and delayed diagnosis) and good quality of life as a diagnosed diabetic. Not every person reacts well to a negative motivation. Another term for that is a threat!