The development of type 2 diabetes amongst sibling pairs in the South‐South region of Nigeria: The effect of genetics, environment and lifestyle

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition with a multifactorial pathogenesis. The pathogenesis is considered to be polygenic due to complex interactions between genetic/epigenetic and environmental factors. The aim of this study is to determine the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors associated with the development of type 2 diabetes amongst sibling pairs (sib-pairs) in the South-South region of Nigeria and determine which is more prominent. METHODS: This multicentre cross-sectional, comparative exploratory study will recruit 250 sib-pairs living with type 2 diabetes using a simple consecutive sampling method. Participants will be assessed for bio-psycho-social and environmental risk factors that may put them at risk of developing type 2 diabetes using a structured survey instrument. Blood samples collected for multi-omic studies will be analysed for genetic and environmental factors associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: It is expected that the most common genetic factors associated with the development of type 2 diabetes in sib-pairs will be explored and it will be determined to what extent they are responsible for the development of type 2 diabetes when compared to lifestyle and environmental factors. CONCLUSION: While there is a strong genetic component to the development of type 2 diabetes, it is often triggered by lifestyle or environmental factors. Understanding the genetics that lead to the development of type 2 diabetes in sib-pairs when compared to the inherent environmental and lifestyle risk factors may lead to the development of new therapeutic and preventive strategies.