Non-obese population with the rs7903146 T allele exhibits higher sugar and more dyslipidaemia in subjects with Type-2-diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), the most prevalent type of diabetes has been associated with Transcription-Factor-7-Like-2 gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), rs12255372 and rs7903146 as risk factors, thought to be modulated by obesity status. In sub-Saharan Africa, the onset of T2D in the non-obese is rarely suspected. This study looks into the genetics and the biochemical parameters in non-obese population, with and without T2D and living in Jos, Nigeria. A total of 68 subjects, 40 diabetic patients and 28 healthy control group, all with closely matched age, height, nutrition, family history, Body Mass Index and socioeconomic status, recruited from within the same population were studied. SNPs Genotyping were performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction and Sangers Sequencing. Lipid profiles, Fasting Blood Sugar and C-peptide levels were measured and analysed alongside with demographic data from questionnaire. Odd-ratio at 95% confidence interval at a conventional level of alpha, <0.05 and Product Moment Correlation Coefficient Analysis were used to analyse the data in both groups. The entire population showed the GG genotype for the rs12255372. However, different genotype combination, CC, CT and TT were observed with the rs7903146. Though no significant association was observed between the genotypes and the odd of T2D, healthy subjects with the T allele showed a higher level of two hours postprandial plasma glucose level than those with CC genotype. Patients with T allele shows a more abnormal level of diabetes metabolic syndrome indicators such as Fasting Blood Sugar; two hours postprandial plasma glucose level; C-peptide; Low Density Lipoprotein, High Density Lipoprotein and Total Cholesterol. The study suggests that lower sugar metabolism and more dyslipidaemia are observed in subject with T allele. Hence, this could constitute poorer prognosis and a risk factor for non-obese population, particularly with high carbohydrate intake.