The clinical utility of genetic risk variants in type 2 diabetes

Background: Type 2 diabetes is one of the first success stories in the application of genome-wide linkage and association studies to find genetic variants contributing to its risk. Objective: Are the genetic markers found so far useful in predicting which individuals are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes? Can they find which patients with prediabetes are more likely to convert to type 2 diabetes and therefore may benefit the most from lifestyle or pharmacologic prevention strategies? Methods: The literature pertaining to the discovery and replications of genes contributing to type 2 diabetes was focused on. Results/conclusion: Substantial risk for type 2 diabetes is represented by the top 8 genes, including TCF7L2, and in certain circumstances may be useful for prevention strategies targeted to those with highest risk.