Gene interactions that influence diabetes, obesity, and weight

Genes affect many aspects of a person’s health. But most studies only look at one gene at a time. How different genes work together, or interact, is also important. Scientists have found genes linked to type 2 diabetes. Genes affect a person’s weight or body mass index (BMI). Genes also play a role in the amount and type of cholesterol and other fats (lipids) in your blood. Researchers have started looking for these gene interactions. In a large national study, they found several interactions linked to blood lipid levels, type 2 diabetes, and obesity/BMI. Now, they will use BioVU samples to confirm these gene interactions in a different set of patients. This is important to make sure that these interactions are really linked to these conditions. They will also use BioVU samples to look for new gene interactions.