Genetic Study of Saudi Diabetes (GSSD): significant association of the KCNJ11 E23K polymorphism with type 2 diabetes

Background The E23K variant of KCNJ11 has been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in several but not all populations studied. Thus far, despite a high incidence of T2D, the role of this variant in Arabs has not been established. Methods We performed a case‐control association study using 550 T2D Saudi patients (WHO criteria), and 335 controls (age ≥ 60; fasting plasma glucose < 7 mmol/L). E23K genotyping was performed by using molecular beacon‐based real time PCR assays. Results The difference in K or risk allele frequency of cases and controls was significant with an OR of 1.7 ( p = 0.0001). The K allele is more common among T2D patients (21%) than in the age and sex matched controls (13.6%). This was consistent with a likely eventual conversion to T2D of younger normoglycemic individuals as they grow older. Conclusions Our results report for the first time a positive association of the E23K variant with T2D in an Arab population. Confirmation by a larger study is indicated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.