In the detailed analysis of the glucose challenge, the team found three novel genetic associations, the most prominent of which was with a gene called GIPR-A. Normally, this gene produces a protein that is part of the normal hormone response to feeding, acting to stimulate release of insulin and thus control levels of glucose. The variant is associated with impaired response to the glucose meal and elevated levels of glucose. GIPR sits at a key decision point in glucose metabolism.

"Today's findings are the result of a tremendous group effort involving hundreds of scientists including large consortia in the UK in major institutions working together," says Professor Nick Wareham of the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge Institute of Metabolic Science. "Traits associated with diseases like type 2 diabetes are so common that it becomes exceptionally difficult to find the genetic regions underlying the physical features and to make that connection solidly. In the face of common diseases, we need to work together in large teams to share and analyse the vast suites of data available. The availability of funding for such consortia from the Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council and other funders including Diabetes UK has made such work possible and allowed the UK to be at the forefront of these efforts."

Notes to Editors

Type 2 diabetes

The threat posed by type 2 diabetes appears to be on the rise. Estimates suggest that between 170 million and 285 million people worldwide have type 2 diabetes, The World Health Organization suggests that, without urgent action, deaths caused by diabetes could double in the next ten years.

Type 2 diabetes represents 95 per cent of all diabetes cases and is defined as raised levels of glucose in the blood measured either when fasting or 2 hours after a glucose 'meal' (oral glucose challenge). The characteristics of type 2 diabetes are resistance to the effects of insulin and impairment to the working of the beta cells of the pancreas that produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is strongly associated with obesity, a history of diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism and population of origin. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's defences attack the insulin-producing beta-cells of the pancreas.

Source: Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute