Diabetic risk is caused by Neanderthal gene

Reports by US and Mexican experts suggest that a genetic variant inherited from extinct Neanderthal genus may increase the risk of diabetes in the South American community.

Photo: tylertretsven.wordpress.com

According to AFP, modern ancestors mate with the Neanderthal genus shortly after leaving Africa 60,000 to 70,000 years ago, and as a result descendants today inherit part of the gene in the DNA sequence, at a ratio of 1 up to 2%.

In the new study, experts from the Broad Institute in Massachusetts found that gene variants are likely to cause diabetes present in Mexico and other Latin American countries, while less likely to occur in the community. East Asia and very rare in Europe and Africa.

The risk of diabetes due to the presence of the gene variant is about 25%, which means that one of the highest genetic risks of diabetes is identified. Since then, they hope to find an effective treatment for this dangerous disease soon.