Gene for diabetes risk carried by half of all Americans: NewsTarget.com

According to a recent study, roughly half of all Americans carry a variant of a gene that increases susceptibility to diabetes.

The variant gene, Ala54Thr of the fatty acid-binding protein 2 gene (Thr54 FABP2), is common, and has been associated with glucoregulation and the metabolism and uptake of lipids in past studies.

This is the first study to disregard factors such as exercise, and focus primarily on dietary and genetic factors.

The study group consisted of 122 sedentary men and women, ranging from 50 to 75 years of age. The participants were genotyped, and following a period on a low-fat diet, were observed to see how their bodies processed sugars and fats.

Carriers of the gene variant were shown to burn fat more rapidly than non-carriers. However, the Thr54 FABP2 positive group retained a higher fasting blood glucose level, as well as decreased sensitivity to insulin.

The conclusion of this article appears on NewsTarget.com, the independent natural health news source for consumers. This article, along with other uncensored news on important consumer health topics, can be found at:

Half of all Americans carry diabetes risk gene for poor glucose tolerance

http://www.newstarget.com/021550.html

About NewsTarget

Read by over 500,000 unique readers monthly, NewsTarget is a progressive, independent natural health news site that teaches consumers how to improve their health through foods, herbs, exercise and natural therapies. The site also warns consumers about the dangers of processed foods, pharmaceuticals, chemotherapy, environmental toxins and the failure of government regulators like the FDA.