Potential association of GCK rs2268576 and rs741038 polymorphisms with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Turkish population

Objective: Polymorphisms, defined as variations in specific genes, are common in human populations and usually do not cause disease. However, some may influence disease susceptibility or progression. This study aimed to investigate the potential association of two glucokinase (GCK) gene polymorphisms (rs2268576 and rs741038) with the development and metabolic regulation of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients and Methods: A total of 134 individuals were enrolled, including 58 patients with type 2 diabetes and 76 non-diabetic controls from outpatient clinics. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, and genotyping for rs2268576 and rs741038 was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Genotypic distributions were compared between groups and correlated with laboratory parameters obtained during clinical follow-up. Results: No significant differences were found in the genotypic distributions of rs2268576 and rs741038 between diabetic patients and controls (P> 0.05). Similarly, no association was observed with fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, or HbA1c. However, individuals with the GG genotype of rs741038 had significantly higher microalbumin/creatinine ratios (P = 0.03), suggesting a potential genetic link to diabetic nephropathy despite no association with diabetes development. Conclusion: Although, no relationship was found between these GCK polymorphisms and diabetes itself, the rs741038 GG genotype may indicate risk for diabetic nephropathy, independent of glycemic control.