Genetic predictors of type 1 diabetes

The intent of this article is to summarize the current state of research on the genetic basis of susceptibility to type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The chromosomal region containing genes encoding the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) proteins accounts for approximately half of the genetic susceptibility to disease. HLA genotyping methods are described, and HLA disease associations are discussed. Because HLA region genes account for only half of the genetic susceptibility, non-HLA region genes must account for the remainder. Methods and technology for finding these susceptibility loci are discussed, and some of the known and candidate loci are presented. Finally, these data are discussed in the context of potential genetic screening programs for TIDM.