What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk: 10/10 evidence, 72 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Pancreatic beta cells may produce less insulin over time due to altered regulation of cell cycle genes. This reduction in insulin capacity leads to a moderately higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and elevated blood glucose levels. Proactive lifestyle choices like regular exercise and a balanced diet can help offset this genetic tendency.
What this genotype means: Moderately higher risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly higher fasting blood glucose and HbA1c; Reduced insulin secretion capacity.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Optimal regulation of pancreatic cell cycle genes supports healthy beta cell function and robust insulin secretion. This genetic profile is associated with a typical, baseline risk of type 2 diabetes and stable blood sugar levels. Continuing standard healthy habits is generally sufficient to maintain metabolic wellness.
What this genotype means: Typical baseline risk of type 2 diabetes; Typical fasting blood glucose and HbA1c; Optimal insulin secretion capacity.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Altered regulation of cell cycle genes in the pancreas can moderately reduce insulin secretion capacity over time. This genetic pattern is associated with a higher likelihood of elevated blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are effective ways to support metabolic health.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The CDKN2A and CDKN2B genes are located on chromosome 9 and encode key proteins that regulate the cell cycle, including p14, p15, and p16 [1]. These proteins act as tumor suppressors and play a critical role in controlling cell division and proliferation [1]. In the pancreas, these genes are essential for regulating the growth, regeneration, and overall mass of insulin-producing beta cells [2]. As people age, the expression of these cell cycle inhibitors naturally increases, which can limit the regenerative capacity of pancreatic beta cells [1]. Consequently, variations in this genetic region are strongly linked to how well the body can maintain sufficient insulin production over a lifetime [1].
Variant Impact: rs10811661 is an intergenic variant located upstream of the CDKN2A and CDKN2B genes on chromosome 9 [1]. This genetic change acts as a regulatory variant, influencing the expression of nearby genes rather than altering a protein sequence directly [1]. Specifically, the risk-associated T allele is linked to altered expression of the long noncoding RNA ANRIL in pancreatic islets, particularly in younger individuals [1]. This altered expression is thought to disrupt the normal growth and maintenance of insulin-producing beta cells [1]. Over time, this disruption impairs the pancreas's ability to secrete sufficient insulin in response to glucose, raising the risk of metabolic issues [1].
Key Insight: This variant does not change a protein directly but instead acts as a genetic dimmer switch, altering how nearby cell cycle genes are expressed in pancreatic tissue.
Location: CDKN2B. Chromosome 9 · 9p21.3 · 22.1 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 73.4%; European 68.8%; African 87.2%; East Asian 34.4%; South Asian 73.4%; Americas 70.9%; Ashkenazi 70.4%; Finnish 73.4%; Middle Eastern 63.3%; Amish 73.6%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 24.0%; European 28.3%; African 12.4%; East Asian 48.5%; South Asian 24.5%; Americas 26.6%; Ashkenazi 27.0%; Finnish 24.5%; Middle Eastern 32.5%; Amish 24.4%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 2.6%; European 2.9%; African 0.4%; East Asian 17.1%; South Asian 2.1%; Americas 2.5%; Ashkenazi 2.6%; Finnish 2.0%; Middle Eastern 4.2%; Amish 2.0%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 17463246. 1.2x Increased Risk.
Blood Glucose. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 22581228. Higher Levels.
HbA1c. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 34059833. Higher Levels.
Insulin Secretion. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 29432124. Reduced Capacity.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 17463246. Typical Risk.
Blood Glucose. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 22581228. Typical Levels.
HbA1c. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 34059833. Typical Levels.
Insulin Secretion. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 29432124. Typical Capacity.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Pancreatic beta cell function and regeneration are heavily influenced by the regulation of nearby cell cycle genes [1]. Having two copies of the T allele at this locus is associated with a roughly 1.2-fold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes [2]. This genetic variant is linked to lower insulin secretion capacity, particularly when the body is challenged with glucose [1]. Over time, the inability to secrete sufficient insulin leads to higher fasting blood glucose and elevated HbA1c levels [3]. Research indicates that this risk is consistent across multiple ancestral populations, including European, East Asian, and South Asian cohorts [4]. Fortunately, lifestyle interventions such as regular exercise and dietary modifications remain highly effective at improving insulin sensitivity and managing blood sugar [5]. Monitoring glycemic markers during routine check-ups is a practical step to stay ahead of potential metabolic changes.
Moderately higher risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly higher fasting blood glucose and HbA1c; Reduced insulin secretion capacity.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Pancreatic beta cells maintain their natural capacity to proliferate and secrete insulin efficiently when cell cycle regulators function optimally [1]. Carrying two copies of the protective C allele is associated with a typical, baseline risk of developing type 2 diabetes [2]. This genotype supports robust insulin release in response to glucose, helping to keep blood sugar levels stable [1]. As a result, individuals with this profile generally exhibit lower fasting blood glucose and typical HbA1c levels [3]. This protective effect has been documented in extensive genomic studies across European, East Asian, and other global populations [4]. While this genetic makeup provides a favorable metabolic baseline, maintaining standard healthy habits is still important for overall wellness. Standard dietary choices and regular exercise will help preserve this natural metabolic advantage throughout life.
Typical baseline risk of type 2 diabetes; Typical fasting blood glucose and HbA1c; Optimal insulin secretion capacity.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
Pancreatic beta cells rely on precise cell cycle regulation to maintain adequate insulin production as the body ages [1]. Carrying one copy of the T allele is associated with a moderately increased risk of type 2 diabetes, similar to the risk seen in those with two copies [2]. This genetic pattern can lead to reduced insulin secretion in response to glucose challenges, making it harder for the body to clear sugar from the bloodstream [1]. Consequently, individuals with this genotype often show slightly higher fasting glucose and HbA1c levels over time [3]. Large-scale genetic studies across diverse populations have repeatedly confirmed this association with glycemic traits [4]. Because the risk is moderate, proactive metabolic management can significantly lower the chances of developing diabetes [5]. Regular physical activity and a diet rich in whole foods are excellent strategies to support pancreatic health and maintain insulin sensitivity.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1063192 · CDKN2B Gene · Chr 9 · Heart and Glaucoma Protection
rs3217992 · CDKN2B Gene · Chr 9 · Heart Disease Risk
rs13266634 · SLC30A8 Gene · Chr 8 · Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Genome-wide association analysis identifies loci for type 2 diabetes and triglyceride levels.
The trans-ancestral genomic architecture of glycemic traits.
Content updated August 2026.
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