GENETICS OF DIABETES COMPLICATIONS

K.S.Varadachary, P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai.

Genetics of diabetes is being understood more and more.  To cite a few, MODY’s linkage to chromosome 20q, glucokinase and chromosome 12q, defects in insulin receptor  genes, mitochondrial genes.  The role of molecular mimicry and a large number of genes involved in NIDDM is well known.

Diabetic complications seem to occur more in some families.  There are geographical and racial differences as well.  The level of hyperglycemia alone does not fully correlate with the extent and nature of diabetic complications.  Further, the types of complications also differ in various groups.  A genetic basis could possibly explain these features and anomalies.

Currently available data on the genetics of diabetic complications will be presented.  This information will have diagnostic, prognotic and therapeutic implications