Filipino Scientists Identify Genetic Markers for Type 2 Diabetes
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Precision Prevention: A New Hope for Filipino Patients
This revelation offers a remarkable prospect for personalized diabetes prevention. By identifying individuals with these genetic markers, doctors can implement targeted strategies to mitigate their risk, potentially preventing the onset of the disease and its associated complications. The urgency of this research is underscored by the alarming prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the Philippines. According to the 2023 International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas, 7.1% of the population is affected,with over 30,000 deaths directly attributed to the disease. This represents a notable public health challenge, accounting for approximately 6.3% to 6.5% of all deaths nationwide.Empowering Patients Through early Intervention
despite these sobering statistics, the researchers emphasize that diabetes is preventable and manageable. Dr. dela paz and her team stress the importance of early risk assessments and lifestyle modifications:“By modification of diet and lifestyle, diabetes and its complications can be prevented, delayed, and/or alleviated,”They highlight that early identification of individuals at risk can significantly increase motivation for positive behavioral changes.As Dr.dela Paz explains, “An assessment that can identify susceptible individuals even before the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus is critical.”
## filipino Researchers Pinpoint Genetic markers for Type 2 Diabetes
**(Anchor):** Joining us today is Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-dela Paz, Executive Director of teh University of the Philippines Manila National Institutes of Health, whose groundbreaking research is shedding new light on the fight against type 2 diabetes in the Philippines.
Welcome to Archyde, Dr. dela Paz.
**(Dr. dela Paz):** Thank you for having me.
**(anchor):** Your study has identified nine genetic variants commonly found in Filipino patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Can you explain the meaning of this finding?
**(Dr. dela Paz):** Absolutely. For years, studies on genetic influences in developing type 2 diabetes have focused on other populations. This left us without crucial data specific to Filipinos.
We know that genetic makeup varies significantly between races. Applying information from other groups to Filipinos simply wasn’t as effective. Our research pinpoints specific gene variants – rs7766070, rs391300, rs708272, rs2383208, rs7119, rs12150053, rs699, and rs429358 – that are tied to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in Filipinos.This is truly a breakthrough for personalized prevention.
**(Anchor):** This opens up exciting possibilities for targeted interventions.
**(Dr. dela Paz):** Precisely. By identifying individuals carrying these genetic markers, doctors can implement tailored strategies, like personalized lifestyle modifications and targeted screenings, to mitigate their risk of developing the disease and its complications.
**(Anchor):** With the alarming prevalence of diabetes in the Philippines – affecting 7.1% of the population – this research couldn’t come at a more critical time.
**(Dr. dela Paz):** Absolutely. Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the country, contributing to approximately 6.3% to 6.5% of all deaths. While these statistics are sobering, it’s crucial to remember that diabetes is preventable and manageable.
**(Anchor):** you emphasize the importance of early risk assessments and lifestyle modifications.
**(Dr. dela Paz):** Absolutely. Early identification is key.Knowing their risk allows individuals to make informed decisions about their health and embrace positive changes.As we often say, by modifying their diet and lifestyle, Filipinos can prevent, delay, or even alleviate the onset of type 2 diabetes and its complications.
**(Anchor):** this research is a beacon of hope for filipinos. Dr. dela Paz, thank you for your groundbreaking work.
**(Dr. dela Paz):** Thank you. We hope this research empowers individuals to take control of their health and paves the way for a healthier future for Filipinos. [[1](https://pgc.up.edu.ph/research-development/program-on-health/genomic-association-studies-in-filipinos-on-treatment-diagnosis-and-risk-assessment-of-type-2-diabetes-mellitus-and-its-related-medical-condition/)]
## Filipino Researchers Pinpoint Genetic Markers for Type 2 Diabetes
**(Anchor):** Joining us today is Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-dela Paz, Executive Director of teh University of the Philippines Manila national Institutes of Health, whose groundbreaking research has identified specific genetic markers associated wiht an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in Filipinos. Welcome to the show, Dr. dela Paz.
**Q: Dr. dela Paz, your research has shed light on nine genetic variants linked to type 2 diabetes in Filipinos. Could you elaborate on these findings?**
**A:** Absolutely. Our study identified nine specific gene variants – rs7766070, rs391300, rs708272, rs2383208, rs7119, rs12150053, rs699, and rs429358 – that are more common in Filipino individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
**Q: Why is this revelation so significant for Filipinos?**
**A:** This is a major breakthrough for personalized prevention efforts in the Philippines. Prior research on diabetes genetics focused mainly on other populations.
Applying those findings to Filipinos may not be as effective due to differences in genetic makeup. Our research provides specific insights into the genetic predispositions within the Filipino population.
**Q:** How can these findings be translated into practical applications for filipinos?
**A:** This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for targeted interventions. By identifying individuals carrying these genetic markers, doctors can implement tailored strategies such as personalized lifestyle modifications and targeted screenings to mitigate their risk of developing the disease and its complications.
**Q: The Philippines faces a significant diabetes burden. How does this discovery address this public health challenge?**
**A:** You’re right, diabetes is a leading cause of death in the Philippines, contributing to approximately 6.3% to 6.5% of all deaths.
While these statistics are alarming, it’s crucial to remember that diabetes is preventable and manageable.
**Q: How can individuals take proactive steps to manage their risk?**
**A:** early identification is key. Knowing your risk allows individuals to make informed decisions about their health and embrace positive changes. As we ofen say,by modifying their diet and lifestyle,Filipinos can prevent,delay,or even alleviate the onset of type 2 diabetes and its complications.
**Q: ** This research offers a beacon of hope for Filipinos.Dr. dela Paz,thank you for your groundbreaking work.
**A:** Thank you. We hope this research empowers individuals to take control of their health and paves the way for a healthier future for Filipinos.
Let me know if you’d like me to expand on any of these points or explore other aspects of the conversation.
