Defining the genetic contribution of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common multifactorial genetic syndrome, which is determined by several different genes and environmental factors. It now affects 150 million people world wide but its incidence is increasing rapi dly because of secondary factors, such as obesity, hypertension, and lack o f physical activity. Many studies have been carried out to determine the ge netic factors involved in type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this review we look at the different strategies used and discuss the genome wide scans performe d so far in more detail. New technologies, such as microarrays, and the dis covery of SNPs will lead to a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and to better diagnostics, treatment, and eventual ly prevention.