What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk: 10/10 evidence, 21 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Two copies of the G allele are linked to higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is associated with less efficient zinc transport in pancreatic cells.
What this genotype means: Higher risk of type 2 diabetes; Elevated fasting blood glucose; Increased likelihood of requiring antidiabetic medication.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Typical Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Two copies of the A allele are associated with typical blood sugar levels and a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This genotype supports efficient zinc transport in the pancreas.
What this genotype means: Lower risk of type 2 diabetes; Typical fasting blood glucose levels; Lower likelihood of requiring antidiabetic medication.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Carrying one copy of the G allele is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and slightly higher blood sugar levels. This genotype shows similar risk levels to the G/G genotype.
What this genotype means: Increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly elevated fasting blood glucose.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The SLC30A8 gene encodes zinc transporter 8, a protein highly expressed in the insulin-producing beta-cells of the pancreas [1]. This transporter is responsible for moving zinc ions into insulin secretory vesicles [2]. Zinc is a critical cofactor that allows insulin molecules to crystallize and remain stable before they are released [2]. Proper zinc transport is therefore essential for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and overall metabolic function [3]. Variations in this gene can alter transporter activity, directly impacting insulin secretion and susceptibility to metabolic disorders [4].
Variant Impact: Located in the 3 prime untranslated region of the SLC30A8 gene, this single nucleotide polymorphism influences gene expression and regulation [1]. The change from a G to an A allele is associated with altered levels of zinc transporter 8 in pancreatic cells [2]. This alteration directly affects how efficiently zinc is transported into insulin-storing vesicles [3]. Consequently, the G allele is linked to higher fasting blood glucose and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes [4]. Conversely, the A allele appears to have a protective effect, supporting optimal insulin crystallization and release [5].
Key Insight: Zinc is required for insulin to form stable crystals in the pancreas, meaning zinc transporter genes directly control how insulin is stored and released.
Location: SLC30A8. Chromosome 8 · 8q24.11 · 117.2 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 57.6%; European 48.3%; African 82.1%; East Asian 29.6%; South Asian 58.9%; Americas 56.3%; Ashkenazi 53.4%; Finnish 36.2%; Middle Eastern 58.6%; Amish 68.9%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 35.1%; European 42.4%; African 17.0%; East Asian 49.6%; South Asian 35.7%; Americas 37.5%; Ashkenazi 39.3%; Finnish 47.9%; Middle Eastern 35.9%; Amish 28.2%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 7.3%; European 9.3%; African 0.9%; East Asian 20.8%; South Asian 5.4%; Americas 6.2%; Ashkenazi 7.2%; Finnish 15.9%; Middle Eastern 5.5%; Amish 2.9%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20581827. ~1.14x Increased Risk.
Blood Glucose. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 25187374. Elevated.
HbA1c. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 38116116. Elevated.
Obesity & Body Composition
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 28892062. Typical.
Pharmacogenomics
Diabetes Medication Response
Diabetes Medication Use. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31015401. Higher Likelihood.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20581827. Typical Risk.
Blood Glucose. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 25187374. Typical.
HbA1c. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 38116116. Typical.
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 28892062. Elevated.
Diabetes Medication Use. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31015401. Typical Likelihood.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
Blood Glucose. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 25187374. Slightly Elevated.
HbA1c. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 38116116. Slightly Elevated.
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 28892062. Slightly Elevated.
Diabetes Medication Use. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31015401. Slightly Higher.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
An increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes is associated with this genetic profile [1]. The G allele is linked to higher fasting blood glucose levels and elevated HbA1c, which is a marker of long-term blood sugar control [2] [3]. Research indicates that this variant may affect the expression of the SLC30A8 gene, which plays a critical role in transporting zinc into pancreatic beta-cells [4]. Zinc is essential for the proper crystallization, storage, and secretion of insulin [5]. When zinc transport is less efficient, insulin release can be compromised, leading to poorer blood sugar regulation [5]. Lifelong patterns of medication use show a higher likelihood of requiring antidiabetic therapies for those with these genetic markers [6].
Higher risk of type 2 diabetes; Elevated fasting blood glucose; Increased likelihood of requiring antidiabetic medication.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
A lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes is associated with this protective genetic profile [1]. Having two copies of the A allele is linked to lower fasting blood glucose and healthier HbA1c levels [2] [3]. The A allele supports efficient zinc transport within the pancreatic beta-cells, which is mediated by the SLC30A8 gene [4]. Adequate zinc levels in these cells are essential for the proper crystallization and secretion of insulin [5]. Consequently, maintaining better natural blood sugar regulation is more common with this genotype [5]. There is also a lower likelihood of requiring antidiabetic medications over time [6].
Lower risk of type 2 diabetes; Typical fasting blood glucose levels; Lower likelihood of requiring antidiabetic medication.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
A moderately increased risk of type 2 diabetes is associated with carrying one copy of the G allele [1]. This heterozygous profile is linked to elevated fasting blood glucose and higher HbA1c levels compared to the protective A/A genotype [2] [3]. The underlying mechanism involves the SLC30A8 gene, which regulates zinc transport in pancreatic beta-cells [4]. Zinc is crucial for stabilizing insulin molecules before they are released into the bloodstream [5]. A single G allele can lead to less optimal zinc transport, which mildly impairs insulin secretion and blood sugar control [5]. Studies also show an association with a higher likelihood of needing antidiabetic therapies [6].
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly elevated fasting blood glucose.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs11558471 · SLC30A8 Gene · Chr 8 · Type 2 Diabetes Risk
rs13266634 · SLC30A8 Gene · Chr 8 · Type 2 Diabetes Risk
rs11708067 · ADCY5 Gene · Chr 3 · Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Twelve type 2 diabetes susceptibility loci identified through large-scale association analysis.
Diversity and scale: Genetic architecture of 2068 traits in the VA Million Veteran Program.
Genetic predictors of lifelong medication-use patterns in cardiometabolic diseases.
Content updated August 2026.
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