New research reveals genetic connections between type 2 diabetes and increased risks for several cancers, highlighting the need for personalized medical treatments.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have identified genetic connections between type 2 diabetes and increased risks of breast, bowel, and pancreatic cancer. The investigation, led by Professor Inga Prokopenko and supported by Diabetes UK, analyzed DNA from over 36,000 European individuals. Findings indicate that genetic variants responsible for type 2 diabetes might also make individuals more susceptible to these cancer types.
In another study, Dr. Miriam Samuel and colleagues from Queen Mary University London discovered that the HbA1c diabetes test may deliver inaccurate results for many South Asians due to a common genetic variant in this population. This impacts the test’s accuracy in measuring blood sugar levels, potentially affecting around 49,500 individuals in England, leading to delays in diabetes diagnosis and treatment, thus increasing the risk of severe complications.
Both studies highlight the importance of genetic research in understanding, diagnosing, and treating complex conditions like diabetes and its associated risks, including cancer, illustrating a critical need for personalized medical approaches. The Surrey study is awaiting peer review, while findings from the Queen Mary study will be presented at the 2024 Diabetes UK Professional Conference.
