Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Genetics: TCF7L2 A Candidate Gene

Abstract

Economic affluence has altered Indian lifestyles, which is seen to be the primary contributing factor to the country's current diabetes epidemic. There is, however, insufficient evidence that Indian populations are aware of the loci related to type 2 diabetes. To determine the degree of genetic variability, it is important to assess the previously linked gene candidates as well as find additional genetic variations in Indian communities. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a complicated disease, is caused by a genetic predisposition as well as several environmental factors that interact significantly. The transcription factor 7-like-2 gene (TCF7L2) single nucleotide polymorphisms rs7903146 (C/T) and rs12255372 (G/T) have been proven to be the most sensitive genes to T2DM, influencing pancreatic islet formation via the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway. The TCF7L2 gene polymorphism and its usage in the early diagnosis and prognosis of diabetes mellitus will be summarized in this chapter along with the present state of knowledge and clinical relevance.