Faulty body clock gene linked to type 2 diabetes

An international team of researchers have found evidence to suggest that faults in a gene that plays a key role in the regulation of the body's internal clock may significantly increase a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

By scanning the entire genome of more than 36,000 study participants, researchers found a gene involved in the body clock that is strongly linked to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Results showed that a variant in the gene encoding melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B) increased fasting glucose levels by 0.07 mmol/l and increased a person's risk of type 2 diabetes by 9% for each copy of the variant inherited from a parent.

Sleep problems are linked to a number of health problems, such as diabetes and obesity, however why this would be has remained a mystery. By identifying a link between a receptor of the hormone melatonin, which plays a key role in regulating the body clock, and blood glucose levels, this study suggests that mechanisms which control the body clock also play important metabolic roles.

It is hoped that the discovery will lead to new treatments to control or prevent type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.

Bouatia-Naji N, Bonnefond A, Cavalcanti-Proença C, et al. A variant near MTNR1B is associated with increased fasting plasma glucose levels and type 2 diabetes risk. Nature Genetics. Published online December 7th 2008. doi:10.1038/ng.277