About deCODE T2
deCODE genetics, a global leader in applying human genetics to create better healthcare, offers deCODE T2 TM , a DNA-based test designed to help individuals, working with their doctor, better understand their risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and to enable more effective prevention strategies.
Understanding risk can empower prevention. Many major lifestyle and environmental risk factors for type 2 diabetes are well known obesity and its causes, including poor diet and lack of exercise - and it is well established that addressing these risk factors can reduce the risk of becoming diabetic. Inherited risk factors also influence individual susceptibility to T2D.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that develops when the body either becomes resistant to or doesn’t secrete enough insulin.
deCODE T2 is a reference laboratory test to detect versions of SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism), a one letter variations in the sequence of the genome, that predict
- the risk of developing T2D
- the risk of converting from prediabetes (impaired fasting blood sugar and glucose tolerance test) to full blown T2D
- who are candidates for the most aggressive preventive measures
- what medication may be most effective for treatment
deCODE T2TM is a risk assessment test but not a determinate test about who will or will not get T2D or respond or not respond to preventive measures or treatment.
By knowing and understanding genetic risk, it may be possible to take actions that reduce or minimize the likelihood of individual developing diabetes.
Knowing one’s increased risk of developing T2D according to the deCODE T2 TM results should act as motivation for individuals to be more compliant with suggested life style changes and weight loss recommendations by their physicians. For patients who fail to lose significant weight within 6 months, high risk prediabetics may benefit the most from nutritional advice and more aggressive lifestyle intervention. Finally, high risk prediabetics who still fail to respond to lifestyle intervention, may be prime candidates for metformin as suggested by the latest ADA recommendations (Standards of medical care in diabetes--2008. Diabetes Care, 2008. 31 Suppl 1: S12-54). You may wish to consult with your physician regarding specific alternatives for high risk prediabetics.
For patients who already have T2D, studies of two populations have shown that the deCODE T2™ results may also be useful for physicians to predict the patients’ response to the most commonly used T2D medications, metformin and sulfonylurea.
deCODE T2 is performed in deCODE’s CLIA-registered laboratory. The test can only be ordered by qualified physicians and medical practitioners. If you are a doctor or medical professional, we invite you to learn more and how to order the test for your patients.