Genetic Analysis May Predict Coronary Artery Disease Risk in Diabetes

Researchers from the Joslin Diabetes Center believe that genetic analysis could be used to determine the risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) among people with type 2 diabetes. Currently, established CAD risk indicators exist among people with type 2 diabetes, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, and blood glucose levels. However, it was previously believed that examining the genetic factors did little to determine who might be at risk.

Recently, researchers examined genetic risk scores taken from 160 gene locations found within people living with CAD. They compared these results with other findings to determine that genetic scores can help predict future coronary incidents before increased cholesterol or weight gain becomes apparent. This could lead people to seek treatment earlier.

These findings were published in Diabetes Care on September 28, 2018.