There is a new test for type 2 diabetes risk assessment analyses changes to DNA methylation, a chemical process that affects gene expression by adding or removing small chemical groups called methyl groups to or from DNA molecules. These changes are caused by a variety of factors, including environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and exposure to certain chemicals and genetic factors.
The researchers at the University of Edinburgh analysed DNA methylation patterns from blood samples of over 400,000 participants to identify changes in DNA that were associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. They found that incorporating DNA methylation data into traditional risk factors such as age, sex, BMI, and family history of diabetes, improved the accuracy of predicting who would develop the condition within 10 years.
The test is still in development and needs further validation before it can be used as a diagnostic tool. The researchers hope that it could potentially help identify people who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and who could benefit from early intervention measures in lifestyle or medication.
Early detection and treatment of type 2 diabetes are crucial in preventing or delaying the onset of serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure. Currently, risk factors for type 2 diabetes are identified using questionnaires, blood glucose tests, and other medical measures. The use of DNA methylation data could provide an additional and more accurate tool for identifying those at high risk.