This poster catalogs a study of the genetic risks associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects the body’s ability to process glucose and respond to glucose. It has been an established fact that people have varying genetic risks of developing the disease. This research study, entitled “Phenotyping Children and Adults With Possible High Or Low Genetic Risk For Type 2 Diabetes”, was conducted with the aim of determining if individuals without type 2 diabetes mellitus but who have a high genetic risk for the disease will have greater insulin resistance and lower glucose tolerance than those with a low genetic risk for the disease. This aim is being achieved by way of recruitment and screening techniques which involve calling, texting and emailing participants as well as reviewing their electronic medical records. Additionally, at the time of the study visit, blood samples are collected at specific time periods from consenting participants both pre and post ingestion of an oral glucose solution as well as a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan (DXA) done to measure body fat distribution. 

The protocol surrounding the study involves cross-sectional considerations, specific time considerations with regard to blood sample collection and study of data, the use of primary and secondary study endpoints as well as standard graphing and screening techniques.

Recruitment is one of the most important elements of this research project. Despite the challenges associated with the recruitment process, which are elaborated on in the poster, 22 adults and 5 children have completed the study and 2 adults, and 1 child are scheduled for participation in late August and September.

Due to the ongoing nature of the study the conclusions are pending. However, it is expected that individuals with a high genetic risk for type 2 diabetes will have a greater resistance to insulin and a lower tolerance of glucose than those who have a low genetic risk for the disease.