Lipid Genes Can Hint Diabetes & Heart Disease

Friday, June 3, 2011, 15:41

Good news for those who fear that they may suffer diabetes in future, the recent research conducted in the United States and the Netherlands have shown that lipid genes (genes that control lipid levels in the body) can hint the occurrence of diabetes.

Not only the blood sugar levels but even heart diseases can be predict much earlier than its' occurrence. The research was justified by monitoring 10,212 patients with measurements of carotid intima media thickness (IMT) and plaques . A lipid component, dihydroceramide (dhCer) which is a main risk factor for type 2 diabetes was found during the research in Texas. The component is independent of both glucose and insulin levels.

Another lipid generic variant was also discovered in a study conducted in Rotterdam. The variant is capable of predicting carotid plaque, arterial wall thickness and coronary heart disease. Although the predicting test is a costly affair, it is hoped worthy enough as genetic testing can determine diabetes and heart risk.

Lipids are the LDL (low density) cholesterol in the body. The LDL levels are present in body are the easy chances of getting diabetics. The clinical test can also detect diabetics but the lipid genes would detect diabetics on how aggressively it has affected a person and also the prevention of it. As the addition of genetic tools to detect diseases gives better results.

Lipid molecules representing Endophenotypes are closer to the gene actions. The San Antonio family heart study researched on this and found 356 different species of lipids in a cohort of 1202 Mexican Americans.

The genetic science (particularly Lipid Gene Science) had made a huge difference and this advancement is said to lead to the perfect treatment to the people suffering from several diseases.