What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Metabolic Health: 8/10 evidence, 108 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 Diabetes Risk but Higher Triglycerides
Lower blood sugar and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes characterize this genetic profile. However, it also leads to significantly higher triglyceride levels and an increased risk of fatty liver disease.
What this genotype means: Lower fasting glucose and insulin levels; Significantly higher triglyceride levels; Increased risk of fatty liver disease.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Triglycerides but Higher Diabetes Risk
Typical triglyceride and uric acid levels are expected with this genetic profile. However, it carries a slightly higher risk of elevated fasting blood sugar and type 2 diabetes.
What this genotype means: Typical triglyceride and cholesterol levels; Higher fasting blood sugar and insulin; Slightly increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Moderate Diabetes Protection with Elevated Triglycerides
An intermediate metabolic profile defines this genetic combination. It offers moderate protection against type 2 diabetes but is linked to slightly elevated triglyceride and uric acid levels.
What this genotype means: Moderately lower fasting glucose; Slightly elevated triglycerides; Slightly increased risk of fatty liver disease.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The GCKR gene encodes the glucokinase regulatory protein, which acts as a critical regulator of glucokinase in the liver [1]. Glucokinase is the primary enzyme responsible for sensing and processing glucose in liver cells [1]. By controlling glucokinase activity, this regulatory protein plays a central role in balancing blood sugar levels and lipid synthesis [2]. Variations in this gene can shift the balance between storing energy as fat or keeping it in the bloodstream [2].
Variant Impact: The rs780094 variant is a common genetic change located in an intron of the GCKR gene [2]. This variant lies within a liver-specific enhancer region that modulates GCKR expression [2]. The change alters how the regulatory protein is produced, creating a distinct trade-off between glucose and lipid metabolism [3]. Specifically, it influences whether the liver prioritizes clearing glucose from the blood or synthesizing triglycerides [3].
Read on the Protein Preference page
Key Insight: This variant acts as a metabolic switch, where protecting yourself from type 2 diabetes simultaneously increases your risk of fatty liver disease and high triglycerides.
Location: GCKR. Chromosome 2 · 2p23.3 · 27.5 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 12.4%; European 16.1%; African 3.0%; East Asian 23.9%; South Asian 5.6%; Americas 14.6%; Ashkenazi 29.5%; Finnish 13.5%; Middle Eastern 24.7%; Amish 8.7%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 42.3%; European 48.1%; African 28.8%; East Asian 50.0%; South Asian 36.2%; Americas 47.2%; Ashkenazi 49.6%; Finnish 46.5%; Middle Eastern 50.0%; Amish 41.6%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 45.3%; European 35.8%; African 68.1%; East Asian 26.2%; South Asian 58.2%; Americas 38.2%; Ashkenazi 20.8%; Finnish 40.0%; Middle Eastern 25.3%; Amish 49.7%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 17463246. Significantly Higher.
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 22885922. Lower Risk.
Gout & Uric Acid
Gout. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 27899376. ~1.35x Higher Risk.
Organ Systems
Liver Function & Disease
Fatty Liver Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29385134. ~1.35x Higher Risk.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 17463246. Typical.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 22885922. Slightly Higher Risk.
Gout. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 27899376. Typical Risk.
Fatty Liver Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29385134. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 17463246. Moderately Higher.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 22885922. Moderately Lower.
Gout. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 27899376. Slightly Higher Risk.
Fatty Liver Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29385134. Slightly Higher Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Two copies of the T allele shift hepatic metabolism toward rapid glucose clearance, which lowers fasting blood sugar and insulin levels [1]. This highly efficient glucose processing reduces the long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes [1]. However, the excess glucose cleared by the liver is converted into lipids, leading to a notable rise in circulating triglycerides [2]. This increase in lipid synthesis elevates the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hypertriglyceridemia [3]. Additionally, this metabolic shift is associated with higher levels of uric acid, which can increase the likelihood of developing gout [4]. Managing dietary fat and simple sugars is particularly important for individuals with this genetic profile.
Lower fasting glucose and insulin levels; Significantly higher triglyceride levels; Increased risk of fatty liver disease; Increased risk of gout.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Two copies of the C allele represent the most common genetic profile globally. This genotype is associated with lower liver lipid synthesis, resulting in typical or lower triglyceride levels and a lower risk of fatty liver disease [1]. Uric acid levels are also typically lower, reducing the baseline risk of gout [2]. However, this profile is less efficient at clearing glucose from the bloodstream, leading to higher fasting blood sugar and insulin levels [3]. Over time, this reduced efficiency increases the susceptibility to developing type 2 diabetes [4]. Focusing on a low-glycemic diet and maintaining insulin sensitivity through physical activity are highly beneficial strategies for this group.
Typical triglyceride and cholesterol levels; Higher fasting blood sugar and insulin; Slightly increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
A single copy of the T allele paired with a C allele results in a balanced but noticeable metabolic trade-off. Fasting glucose and insulin levels are typically lower than in those with the C/C genotype, providing a moderate reduction in type 2 diabetes risk [1]. On the flip side, liver lipid production is slightly elevated, leading to moderate increases in blood triglycerides [2]. This intermediate state also carries a slightly higher risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease compared to the baseline [3]. Uric acid levels may also be mildly elevated, which is a minor risk factor for gout [4]. Maintaining a balanced diet with regular exercise helps optimize this metabolic profile.
Moderately lower fasting glucose; Slightly elevated triglycerides; Slightly increased risk of fatty liver disease.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1260326 · GCKR Gene · Chr 2 · Metabolic Health
rs780093 · GCKR Gene · Chr 2 · Triglyceride Levels
rs1260333 · GCKR Gene · Chr 2 · Triglyceride Levels
New genetic loci implicated in fasting glucose homeostasis and their impact on type 2 diabetes risk.
Genome-wide association analysis identifies loci for type 2 diabetes and triglyceride levels.
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