DNA strand interwoven with a map of Bangladesh, symbolizing genetic research in diabetes.

Decoding Diabetes: Is There a Genetic Link in Bangladesh?

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Unraveling the role of the ABCA1 gene and its connection to Type 2 Diabetes in the Bangladeshi population."

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing global health crisis, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. With millions currently living with diabetes and projections indicating a doubling of cases by 2030, understanding the factors contributing to this rise is crucial. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), characterized by impaired insulin action and secretion, is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.

While lifestyle and environmental elements play significant roles in the development of T2DM, genetic predisposition is increasingly recognized as a key factor, particularly in Asian populations. Researchers are actively investigating specific genes that may increase susceptibility to T2DM, aiming to identify potential targets for prevention and treatment strategies.

Among the genes under scrutiny is ABCA1, which is responsible for the transportation of cholesterol and HDL Cholesterol (HDL-C) biosynthesis. This gene plays a vital role in reverse cholesterol transport, a process that removes cholesterol from peripheral tissues and transports it to the liver. Variations in the ABCA1 gene have been linked to lipid transport defects and reduced HDL-C levels, potentially increasing insulin resistance and the risk of T2DM.

ABCA1 and T2DM: Exploring the Connection

DNA strand interwoven with a map of Bangladesh, symbolizing genetic research in diabetes.

The ABCA1 gene's role in cholesterol transport makes it a prime candidate for investigation in the context of T2DM. When ABCA1 function is compromised, cholesterol can accumulate in cells, including those in the pancreas. This accumulation can disrupt insulin secretion, a critical factor in glucose regulation and the development of T2DM. Studies in various ethnic groups have explored the association between common variants in the ABCA1 gene and the risk of T2DM, yielding varying results.

A recent study focused on the Bangladeshi population aimed to shed light on the potential link between ABCA1 gene polymorphisms and T2DM. The researchers specifically investigated the C69T polymorphism, a common variant in the ABCA1 gene. This study sought to determine whether this genetic variation is associated with an increased risk of T2DM and whether it influences lipid concentrations in individuals with the condition.

Study Design: The study involved a cross-sectional analysis of 200 unrelated Bangladeshi subjects, including 102 individuals with T2DM and 98 healthy controls.
Participant Selection: T2DM subjects were recruited from the Bangladesh Institute of Research & Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), while control subjects were recruited from various hospitals in Dhaka.
Data Collection: Researchers collected blood samples from all participants after obtaining informed consent. These samples were used for DNA extraction and biochemical analysis.
Genotyping: The ABCA1 genotypes were determined using a PCR-RFLP method, a technique that allows researchers to identify specific genetic variations.
Biochemical Analysis: Lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL) and glucose levels were measured using standard laboratory protocols.
Statistical Analysis: Statistical methods were employed to analyze the data and determine whether there was a significant association between the ABCA1 C69T polymorphism and T2DM.

The study found no significant association between the ABCA1 C69T polymorphism and T2DM in the Bangladeshi population. While the percentage of individuals with the CC variant was slightly higher in the control group compared to the diabetes group, this difference was not statistically significant. The researchers also found no significant association between the ABCA1 C69T genotypes and lipid profiles in the study participants.

Implications and Future Directions

While this study did not find a direct link between the ABCA1 C69T polymorphism and T2DM in the Bangladeshi population, it's important to consider the study's limitations, such as the relatively small sample size. Further research with larger cohorts and diverse populations is needed to fully understand the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors contributing to T2DM. These future studies should also explore other genetic variations within the ABCA1 gene and their potential impact on diabetes risk.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.12.003, Alternate LINK

Title: Association Of Atp Binding Cassette Transporter 1 (Abca 1) Gene Polymorphism With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2Dm) In Bangladeshi Population

Subject: Genetics

Journal: Gene

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Md. Mehedi Hasan, Md. Bayejid Hosen, Md. Mostafijur Rahman, M. Zakir Hossain Howlader, Yearul Kabir

Published: 2019-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the primary focus of the research on diabetes in the Bangladeshi population?

The research primarily focuses on exploring the genetic factors influencing Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) within the Bangladeshi population. It specifically investigates the ABCA1 gene and its variants to understand their potential role in increasing susceptibility to T2DM. The researchers are trying to find out if there is any correlation between ABCA1 C69T polymorphism and T2DM.

How does the ABCA1 gene relate to the development of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM)?

The ABCA1 gene plays a key role in the transport of cholesterol and the biosynthesis of HDL Cholesterol (HDL-C). Variations in the ABCA1 gene can lead to lipid transport defects and reduced HDL-C levels. This can potentially increase insulin resistance and therefore the risk of T2DM. When ABCA1 function is compromised, cholesterol accumulates in cells, including those in the pancreas, which can disrupt insulin secretion, a critical factor in glucose regulation.

What were the key findings of the study on the ABCA1 C69T polymorphism and its association with T2DM?

The study found no significant association between the ABCA1 C69T polymorphism and T2DM in the Bangladeshi population. The percentage of individuals with the CC variant was slightly higher in the control group compared to the diabetes group, but this difference was not statistically significant. The study also revealed no significant association between the ABCA1 C69T genotypes and lipid profiles in the study participants.

What methodology was used in the study to investigate the ABCA1 gene's role?

The study employed a cross-sectional analysis of 200 unrelated Bangladeshi subjects, comprising 102 individuals with T2DM and 98 healthy controls. The T2DM subjects were recruited from BIRDEM, while the controls were from hospitals in Dhaka. Researchers collected blood samples for DNA extraction and biochemical analysis. The ABCA1 genotypes were determined using a PCR-RFLP method, which allowed the identification of specific genetic variations. Lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL) and glucose levels were measured using standard laboratory protocols. Statistical methods were then used to determine any association between the ABCA1 C69T polymorphism and T2DM.

What are the implications of this study's findings, and what future research directions are suggested?

The study's finding of no direct link between the ABCA1 C69T polymorphism and T2DM in the Bangladeshi population highlights the complexity of T2DM. The authors suggest that the study's limitations, such as the relatively small sample size, should be considered. Further research with larger cohorts and diverse populations is needed to fully understand the interplay of genetic and environmental factors contributing to T2DM. Future studies should also explore other genetic variations within the ABCA1 gene and their potential impact on diabetes risk, which could unveil different insights into T2DM pathogenesis.