First gene test for diabetes risk now available
The world’s first genetic test to assess the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes has been launched by Iceland’s Decode Genetics Inc.
The biotech company, which uses studies of the Icelandic population to find the genetic basis of common diseases, said on Sunday it would charge $500 to test for a genetic variation linked to a twofold risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
By testing for the genetic fault, patients would be able to take action to reduce their risk through losing weight and exercising more, Decode Chief Executive Kari Stefansson said.
“This happens to be a risk that you can do something about,” he said in a telephone interview.
Between 8 percent and 11 percent of the general population have two copies of the gene mutation, but the rate is roughly twice that level in type 2 diabetics.
Decode’s testing procedure is similar to existing genetic tests for Breast cancer—samples are sent away for rapid analysis at the company’s laboratories.
The diagnostic test is the group’s first commercial product to reach the market. Other tests for different risks, including prostate cancer, could follow soon.
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