Dietary Intake and TCF7L2 rs7903146 T Allele Are Associated with Elevated Blood Glucose Levels in Healthy Individuals

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a leading cause of global mortality with diet and genetics being considered amongst the most significant risk factors. Recently, studies have identified a single polymorphism of the TCF7L2 gene (rs7903146) as the most important genetic contributor. However, no studies have explored this factor in a healthy population and using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), which is a reliable long-term indicator of glucose management. This study investigates the association of the genetic polymorphism rs7903146 and dietary intake with T2D risk in a population free of metabolic disease. Methods: T2D risk was assessed using HbA1c plasma concentrations and dietary intake via a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire in 70 healthy participants. Results: T allele carriers had higher HbA1c levels than the CC group (32.4 +/- 7.2 mmol/mol vs. 30.3 +/- 7.6 mmol/mol, p = 0.005). Multiple regression reported associations between diet, genotype and HbA1c levels accounting for 37.1% of the variance in HbA1c (adj. R-2 = 0.371, p < 0.001). The following macronutrients, expressed as a median percentage of total energy intake (TEI) in the risk group, were positively associated with HbA1c concentration: carbohydrate (>= 39% TEI, p < 0.005; 95% CI 0.030/0.130) protein (>= 21% TEI, p < 0.005, 95% CI 0.034/0.141), monounsaturated (>= 15% TEI p < 0.05, 95% CI 0.006/0.163) and saturated fatty acids (>= 13% TEI; p < 0.05, 95% CI 0.036/0.188). Conclusion: Carriers of the T allele showed significantly higher levels of HbA1c compared to non-carriers. Dietary intake affected T2D risk to a greater extent than genetic effects of TCF7L2rs7903146 genotype in a healthy population. The study focus on healthy individuals is beneficial due to the applicability of findings for T2D screening.

Automated summary

The study found that carriers of the T allele had significantly higher levels of HbA1c compared to non-carriers. Multiple regression analysis showed associations between diet, genotype, and HbA1c levels, explaining 37.1% of the variance in HbA1c. Certain macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, monounsaturated fatty acids, and saturated fatty acids, were positively associated with HbA1c concentration.