Gene mutation, Type 2 diabetes linked in study

CATANZARO, Italy — A new study revealed that a single gene mutation might be the cause of Type 2 diabetes.

For individuals of white European descent, certain variations of the gene HMGA1 are associated with Type 2 diabetes, according to Antonio Brunetti of the University of Catanzaro in Catanzaro, Italy, and colleagues. They found that among Italian, American and French patients, 7% to 8% of Type 2 diabetes patients in all three populations had the gene mutation. The study authors noted, however, that "further studies of the HMGA1 gene and its variants, including studies in other racial types, are needed to understand the role of HMGA1 in insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes."

The study appeared in the March 2 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association.