The research progress of molecular genetics and prevention strategy of Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a kind of complex disease caused by the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Studies indicated that islet beta cell functional defect and insulin resistance play important roles in the occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes. CDKAL1, CDKN2A/2B and TCF7L2 are the key genes that are related to islet beta cell function defects, and PPAR-γ, HHEX, KCNQ1 and some other genes are the important genes associated with insulin resistance. Many large clinical trial results showed that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through improving lifestyle and drug intervention. In this review, we summarize the research progress in the correlation between gene polymorphism and islet beta cell function defects and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, and discuss their molecular mechanism. Moreover, we review the worldwide basic strategies to prevent type 2 diabetes. Key words: Type 2 Diabetes; Molecular Genetics; Gene Polymorphism; Insulin Resistance