Genetic Risk Scores for Diabetes Subgroup Predict Coronary Artery Disease Even Before Onset
New Approach to Predicting Heart Disease
Research indicates that diabetes can be divided into five distinct subgroups. Investigators at Lund University have examined whether an individual's genetic predisposition to these diabetes subgroups can assist in evaluating the risk of developing coronary artery disease. Their research team developed genetic risk scores. They identified that scores for one specific subgroup, MOD (characterized by obesity and early-onset type 2 diabetes), could predict coronary artery disease even prior to the onset of diabetes.
Coronary artery disease is a common form of cardiovascular disease, frequently resulting from atherosclerosis. Type 2 diabetes is often detected late, typically when individuals seek treatment for complications such as coronary artery disease. Early identification of individuals at high risk for both diabetes and coronary artery disease could facilitate improved prevention strategies for complications like myocardial infarction.
Key Findings from the Malmö Diet Cancer Study
The study, published in Diabetes Care, utilized data from the Malmö Diet Cancer (MDC) population study, which included 24,025 participants. During the follow-up period, 4,105 participants developed diabetes. The genetic risk scores developed for the five subgroups were found to predict diabetes.
Crucially, the genetic risk score specifically for the MOD subgroup could predict coronary artery disease in individuals with an elevated risk for MOD, even before diabetes manifested.
Towards Personalized Risk Prediction
Genetic risk scores, derived from an individual's largely stable inherited DNA, may help determine a person's risk of developing diabetes and coronary artery disease early in life. This groundbreaking research suggests the potential for more personalized risk prediction for both conditions.
Future Outlook and Limitations
Researchers hope that these genetic risk scores can be employed for early detection, enabling timely interventions to delay or prevent disease onset. Future studies will investigate the biological mechanisms connecting MOD and coronary artery disease.
A notable limitation is that the study's findings are primarily based on participants of European descent. This necessitates crucial validation in diverse populations to ensure broader applicability.