TBC1D4 Gene Variant Raises Diabetes Risk in Greenland Inuit

Tejal Somvanshi

A Genetic variant in 4% of Greenland's Inuit population raises diabetes risk tenfold, changing how their bodies process sugar through muscles.

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Diabetes rates in Greenland jumped from 0.07% in 1962 to 10% among adults over 35 today, with 80% of gene carriers developing it before age 60.

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The TBC1D4 gene variant makes muscles resist insulin, creating unique challenges as muscles handle most of the body's sugar processing.

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Standard diabetes warning signs stay hidden in gene carriers, making early detection harder for doctors to spot and treat.

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Regular diabetes medicines prove risky for gene carriers, potentially causing dangerous drops in blood sugar levels.

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One hour of moderate exercise helps gene carriers process blood sugar better, though less effectively than in non-carriers.

Photo Souce: University of the Fraser Valley (CC BY 2.0)

This genetic trait once helped Inuit ancestors thrive on protein-rich diets, but modern carbohydrate-heavy foods turned it problematic.

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Scientists study the TBC1D4 protein's role in muscle function, seeking new treatments for both gene carriers and general diabetes patients.

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Research findings push for genetic testing and tailored prevention strategies, especially physical activity for at-risk Inuit populations.

Photo Source: Marc-Lautenbacher (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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