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Theme: Genetics – Review

Using genetics to inform new therapeutics for diabetes

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Pages 159-169 | Received 04 Mar 2017, Accepted 24 Apr 2017, Published online: 09 May 2017
 

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The genetic architecture of diabetes has been extensively studied. Numerous genetic markers for diabetes have been reported. However, the translation of such knowledge into clinical interventions has been inadequate.

Areas covered: We performed a literature search on various frontiers in diabetes treatment that could be improved using genetic information: (1) understanding the mechanisms of existing antidiabetic drugs, (2) repurposing existing drugs for the treatment of diabetes, (3) complementing clinical trial findings; (4) finding novel treatment approaches; (5) better estimation of the efficacy of metabolic surgery.

Expert commentary: The translation of genetic information to clinical intervention requires further study, including the development of an appropriate genetic risk score algorithm for type 2 diabetes. Genomic studies provide empirical explanations for clinical trial findings. Moreover, the mechanisms of antidiabetic drugs should be thoroughly investigated to enable clinical trials and pharmacogenomics studies of these drugs. As metabolic surgery becomes more prevalent for the treatment of diabetes, genetic approaches may improve patient prioritization.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

This study was partially supported by a General Research Fund (GRF461712), and the Theme-based Research Scheme from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (project no. T12-402/13N)

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