Africans are not like Europeans… Vital indicators improve the accuracy of diabetes diagnosis

A study conducted in Uganda revealed that newly identified biomarkers may help doctors diagnose type 2 diabetes more accurately in people of African descent.

The researchers pointed out that most of the indicators currently used in diagnosing type 2 diabetes, such as the glycated hemoglobin test, which measures blood sugar levels over a period of time, were determined by studies conducted on Europeans.

Biological genetic differences

The study indicated that the indicators may be less accurate for Africans due to genetic and biological differences . It concluded that there are 58 previously unidentified genetic variants specific to people of African descent.

The researchers added in the study, which was published in the journal Nature Genetics on Thursday, that 18 of these variants are linked to type 2 diabetes, including variants that can be treated with existing drugs.

“By focusing on Africans, we are uncovering biological information that has not been reported in global diabetes research ,” said Obiaimi Surimikon of the University of Exeter, who led the study, in a statement.

He added: “This shows that following a single approach to diagnosis and treatment in a generalized way that assumes it will suit everyone is not enough. We need solutions that reflect the diversity in human biology.”

The study was conducted on 163 people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, and on 362 healthy Ugandan volunteers.