Diabetes

Gene alterations and diabetes risk

Adrian Vella, M.D., is researching the effects of the TCF7L2 gene on type 2 diabetes. Some studies have indicated that certain genetic changes within the TCF7L2 gene cause slight differences in risk of diabetes. He has requested samples from 1,000 Biobank participants without a history of diabetes to determine whether they have higher risk or lower risk factors for diabetes.

Those with particular genetic variations may then be offered an opportunity to participate in further research studies with Dr. Vella's group to help determine the role the TCF7L2 gene has in development of diabetes and potentially help target therapies for diabetes in the future.