Researchers from the University of the Philippines Manila – National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) have discovered nine common genetic variants among Filipinos with type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that having any of these gene types can indicate one’s vulnerability to develop type 2 diabetes, an important public health concern that has reached epidemic proportions. 

Led by NIH Executive Director Dr. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-de la Paz, the study was made among 201 unrelated patients from the Philippine General Hospital, government hospitals, local health centers, and private clinics within and outside Metro Manila. The participants were tested for blood lipid profile, serum creatinine, AST and ALT blood tests, alkaline phosphatase, C-peptide levels, and albumin-creatinine ratio. They also underwent supplementary procedures such as a 12-lead electrocardiogram, fundoscopy, and ankle-brachial index. The four-year research aimed to identify potential genetic factors influencing type 2 diabetes among Filipinos and was funded by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Department of Science and Technology.

”Studies in foreign populations reveal genetic influence in developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and risk for complications. However, there is no data among Filipinos. Using information involving other population groups may be less effective when applied to another population because of the differences in genetic makeup among races.  By discovering these nine genetic variants, doctors may be able to identify Filipinos who are at a higher risk than others to develop diabetes and can take the necessary steps towards preventing the disease and its devastating complications,” de la Paz said. 

In 2023, the International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas pegged the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the country at 7.1% with 30,713 deaths linked to it. This significant public health concern accounts for approximately 6.3% to 6.5% of all deaths nationwide.

“Hyperglycemia and chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus may cause various organ dysfunction and systemic vasculopathy. Such chronic injuries affect vital organs depending on their predominant manifestation,” Dr. Cutiongco-de la Paz and her co-authors Dr. Jose B. Nevado Jr. Dr. Elizabeth T. Paz-Pacheco, Dr. Gabriel V. Jasul Jr., Dr. Aimee Yvonne Criselle L. Aman, and Dr. Mark David G. Francisco said in the study.

 The study titled “Genomic variants associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus among Filipinos” was recently featured at PLOS ONE, an online scientific journal that publishes advancements and breakthroughs in science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and humanities.

The researchers agreed that while diabetes-related deaths in lower to middle-income countries such as the Philippines are higher, the disease is still preventable and treatable.

“By modification of diet and lifestyle, diabetes and its complications can be prevented, delayed, and/or alleviated. For most people, motivation for behavioral modification can be increased substantially if they are informed of their risk beforehand. An assessment that can identify susceptible individuals even before the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus is critical,” the researchers said.

Earlier in 2022, Filipino scientists led by UP Manila Chancellor Michael L. Tee discovered eight gene mutations that are associated with an increased risk of developing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) among Filipinos. SLE is a type of autoimmune disease with a prevalence of 20 to 150 per 100,000 and commonly affects women at child-bearing age.#

Text by Jennifer Manongdo