Scientists have identified a gene that increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, and regulates glucose levels.
Researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) at the American Diabetes Association 68th Annual Scientific Sessions, held in San Francisco, announced the findings on Saturday.
Richard M Watanbe, an associate professor at USC, said: "We tested for an association between genetic variants across the human genome and fasting glucose and insulin.
"We found a novel association between fasting glucose and the melatonin receptor 1B. It’s novel because this is the first time a genetic variant has been associated with both glucose and increased risk of diabetes."
He said that the finding of the receptor was interesting "because melatonin is involved with regulating circadian rhythms, like sleep cycles", adding that those who suffer from sleep disorders often develop "obesity and insulin resistance" both of which are risk factors for the strain of diabetes.
The genetic research examined information from 6,543 people over three separate studies in Finland and the US.
