The Meta-Analysis of Glucose and Insulin-related Traits Consortium (MAGIC) has completed the largest-ever study into the genetics of random blood glucose levels.
Led by Professor Inga Prokopenko at the University of Surrey, the study involved nearly half a million participants from diverse backgrounds and utilized data from 17 major studies, including the UK Biobank.
Individualized Treatment Plans Based on Genetics
One of the most groundbreaking findings is that individual responses to GLP-1R agonist drugs, commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, can be influenced by specific DNA variants in the GLP1R gene.
The study suggests that personalized medicine could improve the efficacy of these treatments by tailoring them to an individual’s genetic makeup.
Patients with certain DNA variants may not benefit as much from these drugs, and healthcare providers need to consider this when prescribing medications.
Type 2 Diabetes Linked to Lung Complications
Previously, it was unclear whether type 2 diabetes was directly related to lung complications, although they often occurred together.
This study used Mendelian randomization to reveal that high blood sugar levels directly impair lung function. For example, an increase in blood sugar from 4 mmol/L to 12 mmol/L could lead to a 20% drop in lung capacity.
Given that respiratory diseases are a significant cause of death and hospitalization, this finding is critical for healthcare professionals.
A New Role for the Gastrointestinal Tract
While the pancreas has always been central to our understanding of diabetes, the study found new players in the game—specifically, the small intestine, ileum, and colon.
These organs, along with gut microbiome species like Collinsella and Lachnospiraceae-FCS020, play a pivotal role in regulating blood sugar levels.
Implications for the Future
According to Dr. Vasiliki Lagou, the first author on the paper, “We hope our discovery that impaired lung function is a complication of type 2 diabetes is the first step towards increased awareness among healthcare professionals.”
Dr. Ayse Demirkan added, “Our study illuminates a less studied but hugely impactful role of the gastrointestinal tract in the regulation of blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes.”
This landmark study opens doors for more personalized treatment plans and underscores the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to managing type 2 diabetes and its complications.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes, and what you need to know about avocado and type 2 diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about how to eat to prevent type 2 diabetes and 5 vitamins that may prevent complications in diabetes.
The research findings can be found in Nature Genetics.
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