Topic: Biology

Scientists found that some people with Type 2 diabetes don't respond well to a common medication because of genetic differences. This can affect how their blood sugar levels change.

A team of scientists from Stanford Medicine and international collaborators has discovered that some people with Type 2 diabetes may not respond well to a certain type of medication due to genetic differences.

The researchers found that about 10% of the population carries specific genetic variants linked to GLP-1 resistance. This means that levels of the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar, are higher than normal but appear less effective at doing their job.

The study, published in Genome Medicine, focused on how these drugs affect blood sugar levels. The researchers studied adults with and without a specific genetic variant known as p.S539W. Participants drank a sugary solution, and their blood was tested every five minutes over a period of time.

The team found that carriers of the p.S539W variant had reduced serum PAM amidation activity by 52%. They also showed an 18% reduction in endogenous GLP-1 sensitivity.

Knowing ahead of time who is likely to respond well or poorly to these medications can help patients get on the right drugs faster, which is a step towards precision medicine.

The underlying biological mechanism remains unknown. The researchers are still trying to figure out why some people develop GLP-1 resistance.

Why It Matters

This research matters because it can help doctors choose the best medication for each patient with Type 2 diabetes, which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Key Facts

• About 10% of the population carries specific genetic variants linked to GLP-1 resistance
• The study found that carriers of the p.S539W variant had reduced serum PAM amidation activity by 52%
• Carriers of the p.S539W variant showed an 18% reduction in endogenous GLP-1 sensitivity
• Knowing ahead of time who is likely to respond well or poorly to these medications can help patients get on the right drugs faster
• The study was published in Genome Medicine

Key Terms

GLP-1 receptor agonist

A type of medication that mimics the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar

Implications

This research matters because it can help doctors choose the best medication for each patient with Type 2 diabetes, which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.