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Pediatric researchers have found that the interplay of genes involved in diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease is more complex than previously thought. Both type 1 diabetes and Crohn's disease are autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases often have some genes in common, but these two disorders seem to be closely related. Certain genes appear to raise the risk of type 1 diabetes, while lowering the risk for Crohn's.
A promising new study reveals a gene mutation that may cause neonatal diabetes. A mutation in the RFX6 gene causes a rare syndrome of neonatal diabetes involving complete absence of the islets. Researchers say that finding a way to transform these cells promises a real solution for diabetes.
Can a gene providing health blessing or a curse disease? Apparently it is very possible depending on the genetic inheritance of the father or mother. The team of researchers from Iceland joined in Iceland’s Decode Genetics Inc. discovered the gene mutation in the five diseases that affect only if inherited from a particular parent. A new gene associated with diabetes can protect a person from the disease, if inherited from the mother, but increases the risk if inherited from the father. Three other genes diabetes varied effect though not too dependent on the origin of their parents genes.
Scientists uncovered 13 new genetic mutations that influence the biology at the heart of type 2 diabetes. Five of the newly discovered variants increase the risk of developing the disease, which affects more than two million people in the UK. The mutations have an impact on blood glucose regulation, the body's ability to respond to insulin, and the function of insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas.
Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, which tend to occur together, share a common genetic background, researchers here said. The finding implies that the two conditions also may share causative biological mechanisms, according to John Todd, Ph.D., of the University of Cambridge, and colleagues.
BOSTON, Nov. 19 -- Screening for gene variants associated with type 2 diabetes does not add much to conventional risk factors in identifying patients likely to develop the disorder, results of two studies showed. A genotype score based on single nucleotide polymorphisms at 18 locations previously found to be associated with type 2 diabetes improved prediction in no more than 4% of participants tested, reported James B. Meigs, M.D., M.P.H., of Massachusetts General Hospital, and colleagues in the Nov. 20 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Two common genetic variants appear to contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes for some patients with impaired glucose tolerance, found researchers here. But lifestyle moves seem to be able to combat the enhanced risk.
Several genetic regions appear to contribute to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, three research groups have found in a major collaborative effort.

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The role of genetics and family health history in the evaluation of disease risks is constantly evolving. AccessDNA does not collect and/or analyze all information relevant to the assessment of disease risk, such as the results of clinical tests, or perform complex risk calculations. As such, any tools or other content or information on this website, including risk statistics, are subject to change, are for informational purposes only, and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of a physician regarding any questions you have about your family health history or specific medical conditions.More info

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