The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa presents a rare opportunity for researchers to study the disease’s natural history, genetic factors, and potential new treatments.
The Rise of Type 2 Diabetes in Africa: A Potential Breakthrough
ZRANB3 is a protein-coding gene in humans.
It encodes a transmembrane receptor that plays a crucial role in cell signaling pathways.
Research suggests that mutations in the ZRANB3 gene are associated with certain neurological disorders.
The ZRANB3 gene is expressed in various tissues, including the brain and spinal cord.
Further studies are needed to fully understand its function and potential therapeutic applications.
The Growing Concern
Across the African continent, the focus on disease has long been on infectious killers such as HIV and tuberculosis. However, a growing concern has emerged regarding the alarming rise of noncommunicable diseases in the region. Specifically, spiraling rates of type 2 diabetes are causing alarm among policymakers, academics, and philanthropists.
The Numbers Are Alarming
Research indicates that the number of people in sub-Saharan Africa with type 2 diabetes could surge by 2045, driven by rapid lifestyle changes including shifting diets and declining physical activity. In fact, a new study revealed that the number of people in sub-Saharan Africa with type 2 diabetes rose from 4 million in 1980 to 23.6 million in 2021.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance, where the body's cells are unable to effectively use insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels and can cause damage to organs such as the kidneys, heart, and eyes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 460 million people worldwide suffer from type 2 diabetes.
Risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, and family history.
Early detection and treatment through lifestyle changes and medication can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
A Rare Window into the Disease
Segun Fatumo, a genetics professor at Queen Mary University of London, believes that this growing prevalence presents a rare opportunity for researchers to study the natural history of type 2 diabetes. ‘This gives us a window into how the disease develops, progresses, and responds to different environmental and genetic factors,’ he says.
Segun Fatumo is a Nigerian medical researcher and scientist. He is known for his work in the field of HIV research, particularly in developing novel methods for diagnosing and monitoring HIV infection. Fatumo has published numerous papers on his research findings and has received several awards for his contributions to science.
Genetic Diversity: A Scientific Gold Mine
The remarkable genetic diversity across the African continent may also represent an opportunity for diabetes research. Human populations have lived in Africa the longest, accumulating genetic diversity over time. This diversity is a scientific gold mine, offering researchers new insights into the biology of type 2 diabetes.
Challenging Basic Understandings
Research in sub-Saharan African populations has already challenged some basic understandings regarding the biology of type 2 diabetes. While the disease has traditionally been linked to obesity, it appears that this isn’t the driving factor in many African patients. A particular gene called ZRANB3 has been associated with the disease, suggesting a potential new drug target.
The Risk is Higher for African Men
African men appear to be particularly at risk of type 2 diabetes. A study published in the Lancet Global Health medical journal found that simply being male was one of the biggest predictors of type 2 diabetes risk after family history. Researchers are now working to understand the underlying reasons, including possible genetic variants and physiological changes.
Improving Screening Tools
Understanding these cases could lead to improved screening tools, which would be particularly important in populations where traditional methods have been shown to be ineffective. For example, a genetic variation that reduces levels of HbA1c can make it appear as though someone’s blood sugar levels are healthier than they actually are.
A Potential for New Treatments
The research being conducted in Africa could lead to new breakthroughs in the treatment and management of type 2 diabetes. Understanding why sub-Saharan African women seem to be more resilient to gaining liver fat, for instance, could lead to the development of drugs that can improve metabolic health in other ethnic groups.
A Pathway to Diabetes-Proof
Chikowore believes that genetic studies in African populations have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of diabetes. ‘Imagine if we could one day do the same for diabetes,’ he says. ‘A genetically informed drug which can make people diabetes-proof. I think that’s what the world is looking for.‘
