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Researchers at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research in San Antonio, Texas are analyzing 100 genes believed to play important roles in diabetes to see how they influence blood glucose, insulin production and body fat.  Joanne Curran, PhD, a genetic researcher at the foundation believes if they are able to identify these genes, they will be able to test for a genetic predisposition for diabetes.  Her groundbreaking research could lead to a test and other treatments to prevent or manage diabetes.

“Right now, the best prevention we have for diabetes is lifestyle change,” said Curran. “But what if you have a genetic predisposition that’s causing your high levels of blood glucose? Then lifestyle changes alone may not help you. That’s why we need to find the genes involved and the DNA variations that affect those genes’ function. That will give pharmaceutical companies the information they need to develop new medications to fight this growing health problem." Researchers learning how genes influence diabetes risk - SFBR News Release, December 11, 2007

Learn more about Dr. Curran's pioneering research on the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research website.