Polymorphism of the Glycogen Synthase Gene and Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract
Dr. Groop and colleagues (Jan. 7 issue)1 reported that, in Finland, the A2 allele of the XbaI polymorphism of the glycogen synthase gene is associated with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and identifies a subgroup of patients with a strong family history of diabetes, a high prevalence of hypertension, and insulin resistance. We studied this polymorphism in 231 unrelated white patients with NIDDM from multiplex French families with the disease by polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) amplification of the glycogen synthase gene using primers kindly provided by Dr. Groop. The presence of the A1 and A2 alleles was compared in the diabetic patients and 52 normal subjects with no family history of diabetes.