Potential Biomarker Determines Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

A definitive link has been discovered between certain lifestyle and demographic factors and a potential biomarker to determine the risk of type 2 diabetes.

The biomarker is a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and low levels can be an indication of increased risk for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes years in advance.


Scientists at Brown University (Providence, RI, USA) measured the levels of SHBG in 13,547 women who were a part of the national Women's Health Initiative. Although the team had found that SHBG levels are able to predict the risk of type 2 diabetes, and that several mutations in the genetic coding for the protein are also predictive factors, they say this study shows protein does not necessarily remain unchanged throughout the lifetime of the individual.

Plasma SHBG concentrations were measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (Roche Diagnostics; Indianapolis, IN, USA), a solid-phase two-site chemiluminescent immunoassay (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics; Malvern, PA, USA), or an immunoradiometric assay (Esoterix Laboratory Services; Austin, TX, USA).

In the analysis of the results, the scientists found that age, use of estrogen replacement therapy, physical activity, and coffee consumption were significantly higher in women with higher SHBG levels. However, women with a high body mass index (BMI) were linked to low SHBG levels, but the significant associations of SHBG in women did not vary between ethnic groups. The results of the study could also lead to potential new interventions, as BMI, physical activity, estrogen therapy and coffee intake can all be adjusted. The authors noted that by knowing these factors are linked to the biomarker, this suggests changing these elements of lifestyle could, in turn, adjust levels of protein over time, therefore affecting the risk of diabetes.

Simin Liu, MD, ScD, a professor of medicine at Brown, and the senior author of the study said, “This protein seems to capture the cumulative effect between the gene and our environment in reflecting a metabolic state of our body, particularly in the liver, ultimately affecting diabetes risk. By the time you are checking blood glucose it's too late, because you use that as a diagnostic criterion to define diabetes. Our argument is that you can go to the doctor's office and check this protein that can predict your future risk 6 to 10 years down the line." The study was published on September 18, 2013, in the journal Clinical Chemistry.

Related Links:
Brown University
Roche Diagnostics
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics