What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk: 5/10 evidence, 17 publications.
You're viewing every possible genotype for this variant.
None of these is your result. Use the genotype toggle to compare them, then sign up and upload your DNA to see which one is yours.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Two copies of the protective T allele are associated with optimal insulin sensitivity and healthier blood lipid levels. This genetic profile helps maintain efficient glucose clearance and supports cardiovascular health.
What this genotype means: Lower risk of type 2 diabetes; Higher protective HDL cholesterol; Lower fasting insulin levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
~1.2x Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Two copies of the risk-associated C allele are linked to reduced insulin sensitivity and higher triglycerides. Choosing a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet or staying active can help manage this risk.
What this genotype means: Elevated risk of type 2 diabetes; Higher circulating triglycerides; Reduced insulin sensitivity.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Carrying one copy of the risk-associated C allele is linked to slightly reduced insulin sensitivity and elevated triglycerides. Proactive lifestyle choices can help offset this genetic predisposition.
What this genotype means: Moderately increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly elevated triglycerides; Slightly lower HDL cholesterol.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: Insulin receptor substrate 1, encoded by the IRS1 gene, is a key signaling protein that transmits signals from the insulin receptor to intracellular pathways [1]. It plays a central role in maintaining glucose homeostasis and regulating lipid metabolism [1]. Proper functioning of this protein is essential for cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream in response to insulin [1]. Disruption in IRS1 signaling is a primary driver of insulin resistance, which can lead to metabolic dysfunction [1]. Variations near this gene can alter its expression levels, thereby influencing metabolic health and diabetes susceptibility [2].
Variant Impact: Located in an intergenic region near the IRS1 gene, rs2943641 is a common genetic variant that acts as a regulatory marker for insulin sensitivity [1]. The DNA change at this position influences the expression of nearby genes involved in insulin signaling and lipid transport [1]. Carrying the risk-associated C allele is linked to reduced insulin sensitivity, higher fasting insulin, and altered blood lipid profiles [1]. Conversely, the protective T allele is associated with improved metabolic markers, including higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol and adiponectin [3] [4].
Key Insight: While the C allele increases diabetes risk, clinical trials suggest that individuals with the C/C genotype may actually lose more weight and improve their insulin sensitivity better on a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet than on other diets.
Location: IRS1. Chromosome 2 · 2q36.3 · 226.2 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 10.7%; European 13.0%; African 9.4%; East Asian 0.5%; South Asian 5.7%; Americas 6.7%; Ashkenazi 8.0%; Finnish 14.0%; Middle Eastern 21.4%; Amish 18.6%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 42.9%; European 46.1%; African 42.6%; East Asian 13.6%; South Asian 36.3%; Americas 38.4%; Ashkenazi 40.6%; Finnish 46.8%; Middle Eastern 49.7%; Amish 49.0%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 46.4%; European 40.9%; African 48.0%; East Asian 85.9%; South Asian 58.0%; Americas 54.9%; Ashkenazi 51.4%; Finnish 39.3%; Middle Eastern 28.9%; Amish 32.4%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 19734900. Lower Risk.
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher Levels.
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Insulin Sensitivity. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 19734900. Typical Sensitivity.
Adiponectin Levels. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 31178129. Higher Levels.
Endocrine & Reproductive
Hormone Levels & Endocrine Regulation
SHBG Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32042192. Higher Levels.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 19734900. ~1.2x Higher Risk.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower Levels.
Insulin Sensitivity. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 19734900. Reduced Sensitivity.
Adiponectin Levels. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 31178129. Lower Levels.
SHBG Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32042192. Lower Levels.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 19734900. Increased Risk.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Elevated.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Lower.
Insulin Sensitivity. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 19734900. Slightly Reduced.
Adiponectin Levels. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 31178129. Slightly Lower.
SHBG Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32042192. Slightly Lower.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the protective T allele is associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes [1]. This genetic profile correlates with lower fasting insulin levels and superior insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to clear glucose from the blood more efficiently [1]. In addition to glucose control, this genotype is linked to favorable lipid profiles, characterized by higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol and lower circulating triglycerides [2]. Research also indicates higher levels of adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory hormone secreted by fat tissue that enhances insulin action [3]. These combined metabolic advantages contribute to a lower overall risk of metabolic syndrome and related cardiovascular complications [4]. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity further enhances these genetic benefits [5].
Lower risk of type 2 diabetes; Higher protective HDL cholesterol; Lower fasting insulin levels.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the risk-associated C allele is linked to a roughly 1.2-fold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes [1]. This genotype is strongly associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, where the body struggles to respond to insulin and produces excess amounts to compensate [1]. Blood lipid profiles in these individuals often show elevated triglycerides and lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol [2]. Research suggests that these metabolic changes are partly driven by lower circulating levels of adiponectin, a hormone that normally protects against insulin resistance [3]. Interestingly, clinical trials indicate that individuals with this genotype may experience greater improvements in insulin sensitivity and weight loss when following a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet compared to other diets [4]. Regular exercise is also highly effective at improving insulin action and counteracting this genetic predisposition [5].
Elevated risk of type 2 diabetes; Higher circulating triglycerides; Reduced insulin sensitivity.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
Carrying one copy of the risk-associated C allele is linked to a moderately increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes [1]. This genetic setup is associated with a mild reduction in insulin sensitivity, meaning the body may need to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable [1]. Metabolic studies show that this genotype also correlates with slightly higher triglyceride levels and lower HDL cholesterol compared to the protective double-T genotype [2]. Additionally, levels of adiponectin, a hormone that supports metabolic health, tend to be slightly reduced [3]. While this represents an elevated risk, lifestyle factors play a major role in determining actual health outcomes [4]. Engaging in regular physical activity and adopting a diet low in refined carbohydrates can significantly mitigate these genetic risks [5].
Moderately increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly elevated triglycerides; Slightly lower HDL cholesterol.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs2943645 · IRS1 Gene · Chr 2 · Insulin Resistance Risk
rs2176040 · IRS1 Gene · Chr 2 · Metabolic Health
rs2943640 · IRS1 Gene · Chr 2 · Metabolic Health and Diabetes
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Exome-Derived Adiponectin-Associated Variants Implicate Obesity and Lipid Biology.
IRS1 gene variants, dysglycaemic metabolic changes and type-2 diabetes risk.
Content updated August 2026.
ReadYourDNA provides educational interpretation of DNA data you already have. It is not diagnostic, not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a clinician before acting on any result.
Raw DNA Data Reports for 23andMe & AncestryDNA · About ReadYourDNA · FAQ · Methodology & Science · Pricing · Support and complaints · Legal & Contact · Health Traits · Pharmacogenomics · Carrier Status · Variant Explorer · The Human Karyotype · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Accessibility · Consumer Health Data Privacy · Your Privacy Choices · Editorial Standards · Your Data, Checkable · Sample Report · ReadYourDNA and Promethease compared · What is inside a 23andMe raw data file · What is inside an AncestryDNA raw data file · What a chatbot can and cannot do with your raw DNA file · Where a raw DNA file can still be uploaded in 2026
Written, maintained and operated by Martin Pechhacker, sole proprietor, Vienna, Austria. Trade register GISA 40064420. support@readyourdna.com