What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk: 10/10 evidence, 25 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Blood Sugar and Lower Diabetes Risk
Efficient glucose sensing helps maintain optimal blood sugar levels. This genotype is associated with lower fasting glucose and a reduced risk of metabolic conditions.
What this genotype means: Lower fasting glucose; Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes; Better pancreatic beta-cell function.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Higher Blood Sugar and Increased Diabetes Risk
Having two copies of the A allele is associated with elevated fasting glucose and HbA1c levels. This genotype significantly increases the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.
What this genotype means: Elevated fasting glucose; Increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Lower pancreatic beta-cell function.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Slightly Higher Blood Sugar and Diabetes Risk
Carrying one copy of the A allele is linked to slightly elevated fasting glucose levels. This genetic variation moderately increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
What this genotype means: Slightly higher fasting glucose; Moderately increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Increased susceptibility to gestational diabetes.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The GCK gene encodes glucokinase, an enzyme that serves as the primary glucose sensor in pancreatic beta cells and the liver. By phosphorylating glucose, it initiates the metabolic pathway that triggers insulin secretion in response to rising blood sugar levels [1]. Subtle variations in or near this gene can alter its expression, directly impacting how efficiently the body senses and processes carbohydrates [2]. Proper functioning of this pathway is essential for maintaining stable blood glucose levels and preventing metabolic disorders.
Variant Impact: The rs4607517 variant is an intergenic genetic change located near the GCK gene on chromosome 7. This variation is highly associated with differences in fasting blood glucose levels and insulin secretion patterns [3]. The minor A allele is linked to reduced glucose-sensing efficiency, leading to higher average blood sugar levels and an increased risk of metabolic conditions [4]. Understanding this variant helps clarify genetic predispositions to glucose imbalance.
Key Insight: The impact of this variant on gestational diabetes is highly dependent on diet, with the risk multiplying significantly only when sweet foods are consumed regularly.
Location: GCK. Chromosome 7 · 7p13 · 44.2 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 73.3%; European 68.8%; African 83.6%; East Asian 66.0%; South Asian 74.2%; Americas 66.7%; Ashkenazi 68.7%; Finnish 79.5%; Middle Eastern 58.6%; Amish 53.2%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 24.4%; European 28.3%; African 15.7%; East Asian 30.5%; South Asian 23.9%; Americas 30.0%; Ashkenazi 28.4%; Finnish 19.4%; Middle Eastern 35.9%; Amish 39.4%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 2.3%; European 2.9%; African 0.7%; East Asian 3.5%; South Asian 1.9%; Americas 3.4%; Ashkenazi 2.9%; Finnish 1.2%; Middle Eastern 5.5%; Amish 7.3%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 28869590. Typical Risk.
Fasting Glucose. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20081858. Lower Levels.
HbA1c. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 28898252. Lower Levels.
Beta-Cell Function. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 20081858. Better Function.
Endocrine & Reproductive
Pregnancy & Birth Complications
Gestational Diabetes. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 22096510. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 28869590. Highest Risk.
Fasting Glucose. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20081858. Elevated Levels.
HbA1c. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 28898252. Elevated Levels.
Beta-Cell Function. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 20081858. Reduced Function.
Gestational Diabetes. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 22096510. Highest Risk.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 28869590. Increased Risk.
Fasting Glucose. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20081858. Slightly Elevated.
HbA1c. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 28898252. Slightly Elevated.
Beta-Cell Function. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 20081858. Slightly Reduced.
Gestational Diabetes. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 22096510. Increased Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Maintaining stable blood sugar relies on the precise sensing of glucose by the pancreas and liver. Having two copies of the common G allele is associated with highly efficient glucokinase activity, which promotes healthy insulin secretion in response to meals [1]. Large-scale genomic studies show that this genotype correlates with lower fasting glucose levels and lower HbA1c [2]. Consequently, this genetic profile is linked to a significantly reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes [3]. It also provides protection against gestational diabetes during pregnancy, even when dietary sugar intake is relatively high [4].
Lower fasting glucose; Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes; Better pancreatic beta-cell function.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Reduced sensitivity to circulating glucose can impair the body's natural insulin response. Having two copies of the A allele is linked to the highest average fasting blood sugar levels and elevated HbA1c among the genotypes [1]. This genetic profile is associated with reduced pancreatic beta-cell function, making it harder for the body to clear glucose efficiently [2]. Meta-analyses confirm a robust association between this homozygous genotype and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes [3]. Furthermore, there is a strong interaction with lifestyle factors, where a diet high in sweets dramatically elevates the risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant individuals [4].
Elevated fasting glucose; Increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Lower pancreatic beta-cell function.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
Minor variations in the regulatory regions of the glucokinase gene can subtly alter how the body senses blood sugar. Carrying one copy of the A allele is associated with a mild reduction in pancreatic beta-cell function, which can delay insulin release [1]. This delay often leads to slightly higher fasting glucose and elevated HbA1c levels over time [2]. Clinical studies have linked this single-copy variation to a moderate increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes [3]. Additionally, pregnant women with this genotype may have a higher susceptibility to gestational diabetes, particularly if their diet includes frequent sweets [4].
Slightly higher fasting glucose; Moderately increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Increased susceptibility to gestational diabetes.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1799884 · GCK Gene · Chr 7 · Blood Sugar and Diabetes Risk
rs2070971 · GCK Gene · Chr 7 · Blood Triglycerides
rs730497 · GCK Gene · Chr 7 · Blood Sugar and Diabetes
Glucose-raising genetic variants in MADD and ADCY5 impair conversion of proinsulin to insulin.
New genetic loci implicated in fasting glucose homeostasis and their impact on type 2 diabetes risk.
Content updated August 2026.
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