Ethnic differences in adiposity and diabetes risk - insights from genetic studies.

H Yaghootkar,B Whitcher,J D Bell,E L Thomas

doi:10.1111/joim.13082

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is more common in non-Europeans and starts at a younger age and at lower BMI cut-offs. This review discusses the insights from genetic studies about pathophysiological mechanisms which determine risk of disease with a focus on the role of adiposity and body fat distribution in ethnic disparity in risk of type 2 diabetes. During the past decade, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 400 genetic variants associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes. The Eurocentric nature of these genetic studies has made them less effective in identifying mechanisms that make non-Europeans more susceptible to higher risk of disease. One possible mechanism suggested by epidemiological studies is the role of ethnic difference in body fat distribution. Using genetic variants associated with an ability to store extra fat in a safe place, which is subcutaneous adipose tissue, we discuss how different ethnic groups could be genetically less susceptible to type 2 diabetes by developing a more favourable fat distribution.

Highlights

Type 2 diabetes is a common disease worldwide, but its prevalence varies widely across different ethnic groups
Using genetic variants associated with an ability to store extra fat in a safe place, which is subcutaneous adipose tissue, we discuss how different ethnic groups could be genetically less susceptible to type 2 diabetes by developing a more favourable fat distribution
Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed as high levels of blood glucose levels, it is a collection of metabolic derangements, some of which may play a causal role in the ethnic differences in prevalence of type 2 diabetes, including body fat distribution, adipose tissue function and different levels of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity (Fig. 1) which may be involved in the ethnic differences

Summary

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes is a common disease worldwide, but its prevalence varies widely across different ethnic groups. Using genetic variants associated with an ability to store extra fat in a safe place, which is subcutaneous adipose tissue, we discuss how different ethnic groups could be genetically less susceptible to type 2 diabetes by developing a more favourable fat distribution.

Results

Conclusion