Dr. Miriam Samuel and her team conducted research revealing a gene variant predominantly found in South Asians, affecting the accuracy of the HbA1c test used for diagnosing type 2 diabetes. This variant, identified in 7.6% of South Asians, leads to falsely low HbA1c results.
Analyzing health records, they found individuals with this variant experienced delayed diabetes diagnosis by an average of one to two years, risking long-term complications. This discrepancy affects around 32,000 South Asians with diabetes and 17,500 with prediabetes in England alone. The study underscores the necessity for alternative testing methods and tailored monitoring pathways to prevent diagnostic delays in affected individuals. Dr. Samuel emphasizes the importance of research like Genes & Health, focusing on underrepresented populations, to address diabetes inequalities.