The gene¹ mutation⁴, found in the population of Greenland, will give clues to the different causes of the condition, say Danish scientists.

 

The research, published in Nature, adds to evidence genetics plays a role in the chances of developing diabetes. 

 

Other factors included lifestyle, with obesity⁵ and a bad diet increasing risks, said a diabetes charity. 

 

Several susceptibility genes⁶ have been linked with diabetes, meaning that if an individual is carrying one of these genes they face a greater risk of developing diabetes.

 

Danish researchers say the new mutation is present in almost one in five of Greenlanders.

 

But Prof Torben Hansen, of the University of Copenhagen, said it was not found in other European, Chinese or African-American populations, suggesting type 2 diabetes has multiple causes.

 

The gene variation raised the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to ten times, he told BBC News.

 

"We have identified a new and novel type 2 diabetes gene with a huge increased risk due to insulin（胰岛素） resistance in muscle," he added.

 

"Type 2 diabetes is not just one disease, it's many diseases."

点击收听单词发音