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Progress in Defining the Genetic Basis of Diabetic Complications

  • Genetics (AP Morris, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Diabetic complications affecting the kidneys, retina, nerves, and the cardiovasculature are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. This paper aims to review the current understanding of the genetic basis of these complications, based on recent findings especially from genome-wide association studies.

Recent Findings

Variants in or near AFF3, RGMA-MCTP2, SP3-CDCA7, GLRA3, CNKSR3, and UMOD have reached genome-wide significance (p value <5 × 10−8) for association with diabetic kidney disease, and recently, GRB2 was reported to be associated at genome-wide significance with diabetic retinopathy. While some loci affecting cardiovascular disease in the general population have been replicated in diabetes, GLUL affects the risk of cardiovascular disease specifically in diabetic subjects.

Summary

Genetic findings are emerging for diabetic complications, although the studies remain relatively small compared to those for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In addition to pinpointing specific loci, the studies also reveal biological information on correlated traits and pathways.

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Acknowledgements

Niina Sandholm reports grants from Academy of Finland (299200), Folkhälsan Research Foundation, and Wilhelm and Else Stockmann Foundation. Emma Dahlström is supported by grants from Nylands Nation, the Waldemar von Frenckell Foundation, and the Finnish Diabetes Research Foundation.

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  1. Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Folkhälsan Research Center, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290, Helsinki, Finland

    Emma Dahlström & Niina Sandholm

  2. Abdominal Center Nephrology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

    Emma Dahlström & Niina Sandholm

  3. Research Program Unit, Diabetes and Obesity, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

    Emma Dahlström & Niina Sandholm

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  1. Emma Dahlström
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Correspondence to Niina Sandholm.

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Dahlström, E., Sandholm, N. Progress in Defining the Genetic Basis of Diabetic Complications. Curr Diab Rep 17, 80 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-017-0906-z

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