Genomic medicine is changing the lives of anyone with diabetes. In the last 2 decades, advances in molecular genetics have led to the discovery of at least 150 genetic variations. These variations affect our chances of developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Delving further into the realm of genomic medicine, we have uncovered that mutations in over 40 genes can be the root cause of monogenic diabetes, paving the way for enhanced diagnosis and treatment options. How exactly does genomics revolutionize patient care? And in what ways can genomic data elevate the precision of medical care for individuals battling diabetes? Let's delve deeper into these intriguing questions and explore the profound impact of genomics on diabetes treatment.
What is genomic integration?
Genomics is a technology-driven science. It is the study of human chromosomes and genes.
Genomics in healthcare focuses on understanding how molecular mechanisms and a complex interplay of environmental and other factors, contribute to diseases.
Genomics isn’t just important for studying human health. It also examines other organisms like plants, vectors, and pathogens to see how they interact with the human genome. This is the kind of knowledge that can have a wide range of uses.
But, genomics and genetics are two completely different fields. While genetics studies heredity, genomics delves into genes, their functions, and associated techniques.
The key difference is that genetics analyzes individual genes, while genomics investigates all genes and their interactions. This helps understand their collective impact on an organism's growth and development.
How is genomics used to treat diseases?
Detecting diseases in their early stages improves our chances of successful treatment. Genomics can identify diseases before symptoms appear. When symptoms do occur, genomics can help diagnose the problem.
I came across an interesting statement a while back. According to Kemal Malik, a member of the Bayer board of management, the focus of healthcare will shift towards prevention rather than treatment.
And this makes a lot of sense.
Countless diseases, like cancer and diabetes, can be influenced by changes in our genes. Genomics can detect these changes and offers a wide range of genetic tests, with many accessible online. If the test results indicate a vulnerability to a certain condition, you can proactively take measures. This can help delay or prevent the onset of the disease.
Global initiatives, like the HapMap Project and the Human Genome Project, have found over 60,000 connections between genetic variations and a wide range of human diseases and characteristics.
Insights such as these have proven to be particularly valuable in finding rare genetic diseases. In the past, it would have taken us years to diagnose a rare disease. But, today, we can build a database with genetic biomarkers. This helps doctors recommend targeted treatment based on the DNA of the disease and the patient.
The role of Genomics in diabetes treatment
Our genetic makeup plays a significant role in diabetes, influencing our predisposition and treatment outcomes. For instance, Caucasians with type 1 diabetes often carry genes like HLA-DR3 or HLA-DR4, linked to autoimmune conditions. Similarly, the HLA-DR7 gene may heighten the risk for African Americans, while the HLA-DR9 gene could increase the susceptibility for Japanese individuals.
In the realm of diabetes treatment, genomics takes center stage in precision medicine, known as pharmacogenomics. This approach aids in enhancing treatment strategies and identifying novel drug targets. Recent findings suggest that genomic data holds promise in predicting disease occurrence and pinpointing specific subgroups, ultimately improving treatment effectiveness and reducing the risk of adverse effects.
How can genomic data provide precise treatment for diabetes?
Understanding that individuals can react differently to the same medication at the same dosage has long been a challenge in healthcare. Previously, determining the correct dose and drug regimen relied heavily on trial and error. However, advancements in genomics have shed light on the underlying reasons for these variations.
Our genes play a significant role in the production of crucial enzymes in the liver, responsible for metabolizing medications. Genetic mutations can disrupt this process, leading to drug accumulation in the body and potential adverse reactions. Additionally, certain drugs require liver breakdown to be effective, and genetic polymorphisms can impact this process.
Thanks to the power of genomics, we can now pinpoint these genetic variations and customize medication plans accordingly. This personalized approach not only holds the potential to optimize treatment outcomes but also to reduce the likelihood of adverse effects.
For instance, some individuals with diabetes may respond better to DPP-4 inhibitors, while others might find SGLT2 Inhibitors more beneficial. Through gene testing, healthcare professionals can identify the most suitable medication to achieve the desired results.
Furthermore, genomics can also play a vital role in precision medicine by tailoring personalized diets. Just as our reactions to medication can vary, so too can our body's responses to different foods.
It's becoming increasingly evident that relying solely on the glycemic index (GI) may not suffice in understanding how specific foods impact blood glucose levels. For example, while rice may cause a significant spike in glucose levels for some diabetics like myself, tomatoes could pose a challenge for others.
In the latest study, people carefully monitored their food intake and exercise routine. In the meantime, they used advice to track their blood sugar level. The data, including some more personal information, were transferred to a computer algorithm. This algorithm was designed to provide a custom diet based on the participant’s readings.
In comparison to traditional diets crafted by professional dieticians, computer-generated personalized meal plans have proven to be just as effective in regulating blood sugar levels. These tailored diets not only incorporate more of the foods that participants enjoy but also allow for indulgences like ice cream and chocolate in moderation.
Although the algorithm is currently undergoing testing and refinement, it may take some time before it becomes widely accessible. Nonetheless, the potential benefits of personalized diets are significant, and I eagerly anticipate the day when such options become commonplace.
