What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk: 10/10 evidence, 29 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Carrying two copies of the A risk allele is associated with impaired zinc transport in pancreatic cells. This disruption can elevate fasting blood sugar and increase the risk of metabolic issues.
What this genotype means: Impaired zinc transport in pancreatic beta-cells; Higher fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels; Increased risk of type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/G
Slightly Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Carrying one copy of the A risk allele is linked to slightly reduced zinc transport in the pancreas. This can lead to minor disruptions in insulin packaging and slightly elevated blood sugar.
What this genotype means: Mildly reduced zinc transport in pancreatic beta-cells; Slightly elevated fasting blood sugar; Modestly increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Diabetes Risk and Normal Zinc Transport
Carrying two copies of the protective G allele supports efficient zinc transport in pancreatic cells. This helps maintain normal insulin packaging and healthy blood sugar levels.
What this genotype means: Normal zinc transport in pancreatic beta-cells; Typical fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels; Lowest genetic risk of type 2 diabetes at this locus.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The SLC30A8 gene encodes zinc transporter 8, a specialized protein primarily active in the insulin-producing beta-cells of the pancreas. This transporter is responsible for moving zinc ions from the cytoplasm into insulin secretory granules. Zinc is a critical mineral required for the proper crystallization, stable storage, and rapid release of insulin in response to glucose. Variations in this gene can disrupt zinc transport, impairing insulin secretion and compromising blood sugar control. Consequently, SLC30A8 is one of the most well-studied genetic loci linked to type 2 diabetes susceptibility across diverse populations.
Variant Impact: The rs11558471 variant is located in the 3 prime untranslated region of the SLC30A8 gene, where it influences gene expression rather than altering the protein sequence directly. The risk-associated A allele is linked to reduced zinc transporter activity, which impairs the packaging of insulin within pancreatic beta-cells. This disruption leads to higher fasting blood glucose and elevated HbA1c levels. Over time, the strain on insulin secretion increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Conversely, the protective G allele is associated with normal zinc transport and more efficient insulin processing.
Key Insight: Zinc is essential for crystallizing and storing insulin in the pancreas, and this variant directly affects how efficiently that process happens.
Location: SLC30A8. Chromosome 8 · 8q24.11 · 117.2 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 56.8%; European 47.4%; African 81.8%; East Asian 29.2%; South Asian 58.4%; Americas 54.7%; Ashkenazi 52.2%; Finnish 35.9%; Middle Eastern 57.3%; Amish 69.0%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 35.6%; European 42.9%; African 17.3%; East Asian 49.7%; South Asian 36.1%; Americas 38.5%; Ashkenazi 40.1%; Finnish 48.0%; Middle Eastern 36.8%; Amish 28.2%.
Estimated AG genotype frequency.
Global 7.6%; European 9.7%; African 0.9%; East Asian 21.1%; South Asian 5.6%; Americas 6.8%; Ashkenazi 7.7%; Finnish 16.0%; Middle Eastern 5.9%; Amish 2.9%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 32541925. Higher Risk.
Blood Glucose. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20081858. Higher Levels.
HbA1c. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28898252. Higher Levels.
Diabetic Neuropathy. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Higher Risk.
Insulin Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 21873549. Altered Levels.
Endocrine & Reproductive
Pregnancy & Birth Complications
Gestational Diabetes. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 40069456. Higher Risk.
Showing effects for A/G genotype
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 32541925. Slightly Higher Risk.
Blood Glucose. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20081858. Slightly Higher.
HbA1c. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28898252. Slightly Higher.
Diabetic Neuropathy. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Slightly Higher Risk.
Insulin Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 21873549. Slightly Altered.
Gestational Diabetes. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 40069456. Slightly Higher Risk.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 32541925. Typical Risk.
Blood Glucose. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20081858. Typical Levels.
HbA1c. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28898252. Typical Levels.
Diabetic Neuropathy. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Typical Risk.
Insulin Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 21873549. Typical Levels.
Gestational Diabetes. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 40069456. Typical Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the A risk allele significantly reduces the efficiency of zinc transporter 8 in pancreatic beta-cells. Without adequate zinc transport, insulin cannot be properly crystallized and stored for rapid release. This impairment is strongly linked to elevated fasting blood glucose levels. Long-term blood sugar control is also affected, as shown by higher average HbA1c levels in large cohorts. These combined factors lead to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes over a lifetime. There is also an increased susceptibility to gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Furthermore, this genotype is associated with a higher risk of diabetic complications such as neuropathy. Ensuring adequate dietary zinc intake and maintaining a healthy weight are key strategies to support metabolic health.
Impaired zinc transport in pancreatic beta-cells; Higher fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels; Increased risk of type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Sample genotype: AG (Heterozygous)
Having one copy of the A risk allele leads to a partial reduction in zinc transporter 8 activity within pancreatic beta-cells. This reduction can mildly impair the crystallization and storage of insulin, making its release less efficient. Clinical data show that carriers of this single risk allele tend to have slightly higher fasting glucose levels. Over time, this subtle metabolic strain is reflected in slightly elevated HbA1c measurements. The overall risk of developing type 2 diabetes is modestly increased compared to those with the G/G genotype. Pregnant carriers also face a slightly higher likelihood of developing gestational diabetes. Fortunately, lifestyle factors such as regular physical activity and a diet adequate in zinc can help offset this genetic predisposition.
Mildly reduced zinc transport in pancreatic beta-cells; Slightly elevated fasting blood sugar; Modestly increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Pancreatic beta-cells rely on zinc transporter 8 to pack insulin into stable crystals for rapid release. Carrying two copies of the G allele ensures normal transporter function and efficient insulin processing. Large-scale genomic studies show that this genotype is associated with lower fasting blood glucose levels compared to risk-allele carriers. The efficient release of insulin helps maintain a healthy HbA1c profile over time. Consequently, this genetic profile is linked to the lowest risk of developing type 2 diabetes at this locus. It also provides protection against related conditions such as gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in zinc further supports this natural metabolic efficiency.
Normal zinc transport in pancreatic beta-cells; Typical fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels; Lowest genetic risk of type 2 diabetes at this locus.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs13266634 · SLC30A8 Gene · Chr 8 · Type 2 Diabetes Risk
rs3802177 · SLC30A8 Gene · Chr 8 · Type 2 Diabetes Risk
rs11708067 · ADCY5 Gene · Chr 3 · Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Content updated August 2026.
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