Change in pancreatic B-cell function (HOMA-B) varies in different populations with similar genetic backgrounds but different environments

Objective To determine whether pancreatic B‐cell function varies in different populations with similar genetic backgrounds but different environments. Research design/methods We compared a specific migrant Gujarati community in the UK (n = 205) with people still resident in the same villages of origin in Gujarat, India (n = 246). Pancreatic B‐cell function (HOMA‐B) was determined and the influence of age, migration and other factors was explored. Results As anticipated, there was an age‐related decline in log(HOMA‐B) in both groups. However, the age‐related fall in log(HOMA‐B) was more pronounced in the UK than in Gujarat (normalized β−0.29 vs. −0.14, P for difference = 0.03). The decline of HOMA‐B with age persisted after adjustment for body mass index (UK β = −0.31; Gujarat β = −0.16, P = 0.015, P