The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is complex, but it is secondary to a combination of insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction that manifests itself as inadequate insulin secretion in the face of hyperglycemia. Several studies have established a clear genetic predisposition for T2DM. Some genes for monogenic forms of diabetes have been identified (MODY, mitochondrial diabetes). However, few genes were found to be associated with diabetes in the more common forms of T2DM. In these T2DM forms, a variety of environmental factors play a major role in the clinical expression of disease. This article addresses the clinical and genetic advances in the genetic bases of T2DM.
Diabetes mellitus; Genetics; Insulin secretion; Insulin resistance