Scientists have mapped the genes responsible for causing type 2 diabetes. This new research is giving hope to new tests that can predict an individuals risk for developing the disease and future treatments.

The study compared the genetic make-up of 700 people with type 2 diabetes and a family history of the condition, with 700 diabetes-free people. Four points on the gene map linked to a person's diabetes risk and were confirmed with another group of 5,000 type 2 diabetics. The findings of this research could explain up to 70% of the genetics related to developing diabetes. A particular zinc transporter, known as SLC30A8, which regulates insulin secretion, was shown to have a mutation. Researchers feel they may be able to treat some cases of diabetes by correcting this mutation.

These findings will allow for the creation of a genetic test to predict people's risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as better treatments for the presiding cause of their diabetes. Nary a day passes that I am not motivated for the future of all diabetics. This is the type of research that strengthens my faith in the coming of a cure. Identify the nature of the problem and nip it in the bud.

A clinical trial found the effects of a high sugar diet did not increase insulin resistance in the men tested. Insulin resistance is an important marker of diabetes risk. This study showed that an intake of sucrose two and a half times above average consumption did not have adverse effects on insulin resistance in healthy, nondiabetic men.

The study observed 13 healthy men over a 6 week period. The men ate either a high-sugar diet (25% of their energy from sugar) or a low-sugar diet (10% of their energy from sugar). After 6 weeks, the subjects crossed over to receive the other diet for another 6 weeks, separated by a four week wash out period during which the subjects returned to their usual diet. Insulin resistance was measured by a two-step glucose clamp. The high sucrose diet showed no significant adverse effects, such as elasticity of the arteries (known as vascular compliance) which impacts on risk of heart disease, and glycaemic profiles.

This study does not support the notion that sugar intake has any adverse effect on the risk of diabetes in healthy, nondiabetic men. Yes, I agree with the findings of this study. They are healthy. Their response to sugar is healthy. What would a study of 13 men with a parent who has type 2 diabetes look like? I suspect those results may show a horse of a different color.

Just another reason to be nice...a study reveals that people with high stress and high hostility levels have an increased risk of developing insulin resistance. This means that the body's response to insulin begins to slow down and blood sugars rise. This increases the likelihood of developing diabetes.

Previous research has shown that insulin resistance is associated with stress and certain personality factors, including hostility. Researchers hypothesized that hostility may interact with stress to affect insulin resistance. The study measured levels of norepinephrine in the urine. Norepinephrine is an indicator of stress. The Cook-Medley Hostility scale was used to measure hostility. (What kind of world do we live in that actually warrants a scientific scale to measure hostility!?!?) Insulin resistance was measured by the homeostatic model assessment index, 2-hour post-challenge glucose, and insulin levels after factoring in the influence of nine other risk factors. The study found that there is a statistical interaction between hostility and stress level in gauging insulin resistance. People with higher levels of hostility don't always have worse insulin resistance, but they do when they are under stress, especially high levels of chronic stress.

The team also found that not all components of hostility are related to insulin resistance. For instance, cynicism is a personality trait that is strongly related to insulin resistance. I'm telling you, the more I read into this study, the more I realize I need an attitude adjustment. And it continues.... because people with high hostility (especially high cynicism) tend to have worse insulin resistance under stress, it is important to target this population for preventive interventions. Anytime the severity of a situation rises to "intervention" status -- it takes on a whole new meaning. This begs the question -- who wants to brave an intervention for a hostile and stressed looming diabetic? Not it!