Researchers from the University of the Philippines Manila (UP) National Institutes of Health (NIH) have identified nine genetic variants common among Filipinos with Type 2 diabetes. 

The researchers found that having any of these gene types indicate one's vulnerability to developing Type 2 diabetes: rs7766070, rs391300, rs708272, rs2383208, rs7119, rs12150053, rs699, and rs429358.

The study, led by UP-NIH Executive Director Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-dela Paz, analyzed 201 unrelated patients from the Philippine General hospital, government hospitals, local health centers, and private clinics within and outside Metro Manila.

The participants underwent a series of tests, including blood lipid profiling, serum creatinine, AST and ALT blood tests, alkaline phosphatase, C-peptide levels, and albumin-creatinine ratio.

They also underwent supplementary procedures such as a 12-lead electrocardiogram, fundoscopy, and ankle-brachial index.

The four-year study aimed to identify potential genetic factors influencing Type 2 diabetes among Filipinos, and was funded by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, under the Department of Science and Technology.

Aiming for precision in diabetes prevention

"Studies in foreign populations reveal genetic influences in developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus and risks for complications. However, there is no data among Filipinos," dela Paz noted.

"Using information involving other population groups may be less effective when applied to another population because of the differences in genetic makeup among races," she added.

According to dela Paz, the discovery of these nine genetic variants could help doctors identify individuals at a higher risk than others of developing diabetes and can take the necessary steps towards preventing the disease and its devastating complications.

In 2023, the International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas pegged the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the country at 7.1 percent with 30,713 deaths linked to it.

This significant public health concern accounts for approximately 6.3 percent to 6.5 percent of all deaths nationwide.

Preventable and treatable

Despite the alarming statistics, the researchers agreed that while diabetes-related deaths in lower to middle-income countries such as the Philippines are higher, the disease is still preventable and manageable.

“By modification of diet and lifestyle, diabetes and its complications can be prevented, delayed, and/or alleviated," they stated.

They further emphasized the importance of early risk assessments. "For most people, motivation for behavioral modification can be increased substantially if they are informed of their risk beforehand. An assessment that can identify susceptible individuals even before the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus is critical."