Disentangling adiposity-related and non-adiposity-related genetic pathways for type 2 diabetes

The research identified 29 blood proteins associated with type 2 diabetes risk through genetic mechanisms not fully explained by body weight. Scientists analyzed genetic data from 74,124 diabetes patients and 824,006 control subjects of European ancestry along with body mass index data from 681,275 individuals. Using specialized analyses, they separated genetic diabetes factors into those related to weight and those independent of weight. They found that 13 proteins have support in tissues including the pancreas, liver, and adipose tissue. Sixteen proteins were classified as potential therapeutic targets, and five already have experimental drugs available. These findings suggest new treatment possibilities for diabetes that could complement weight-centered approaches.