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CDKAL1

Does This Insulin Control Gene Protect Against Diabetes? (CDKAL1)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on October 12th, 2020

CDKAL1 encodes a protein that controls insulin release. Do you have the variants that may lead to insulin resistance & diabetes? Find out here.

Summary

CDKAL1 encodes Cdk5, a protein that controls insulin secretion. Variants of CDKAL1 may play a role in diabetes by promoting insulin resistance. Lifestyle, diet, and supplement modifications may counteract the effect of these variants by increasing insulin sensitivity.

CDKAL1 and Blood Sugar

The CDKAL1 gene encodes Cdk5, a protein that is fairly well-studied for its association with type 2 diabetes [R, R].

Cdk5 is a messenger protein with multiple functions, including the inhibition of insulin production in the pancreas [R, R, R].

According to one study, when Cdk5 is blocked, insulin secretion is increased in cells exposed to high glucose. That is to say, Cdk5 may keep insulin levels from getting too high in response to sugars [R].

Cdk5 is highly expressed in the muscles, brain, and pancreas. The Cdk5 protein activates the expression of the proinsulin gene and mice lacking Cdk5 had reduced insulin production and secretion in response to glucose. In line with this, Cdk5 variants have been associated with reduced pancreatic function and higher diabetes risk [R, R, R, R, R, R, R].

Based on the general mechanism of the protein, we can speculate that variants associated with diabetes have reduced Cdk5 activity [R, R].

CDKAL1 encodes a messenger protein that blocks insulin production. Variants that reduce the expression of this gene are associated with insulin resistance and diabetes.

Your CDKAL1 Results for Blood Sugar

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs7756992
rs10440833
rs7754840

CDKAL1 rs7756992

‘A’ = Not associated with abnormal blood sugar levels
‘G’ = Associated with high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes risk
The ‘G’ allele may reduce Cdk5, allowing uncontrolled insulin production and leading to insulin resistance, reduced pancreatic function, and diabetes [R, R, R].
This SNP has also been associated with decreased overall metabolic rate and high blood pressure [R, R, R].

CDKAL1 rs10440833

‘T’ = Not associated with abnormal blood sugar levels
‘A’ = Associated with high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes risk
The ‘A’ allele may reduce Cdk5, allowing uncontrolled insulin production and leading to insulin resistance, reduced pancreatic function, and diabetes [R].

CDKAL1 rs7754840

‘G’ = Not associated with abnormal blood sugar levels
‘C’ = Associated with high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes risk
The ‘C’ allele may reduce Cdk5, allowing uncontrolled insulin production and leading to insulin resistance, reduced pancreatic function, and diabetes [R].

Recommendations

Caffeine

Caffeine has been found to interact with the CDKAL1 gene in determining susceptibility to diabetes. However, one study only found a benefit for caffeine in people with at least one ‘G’ allele at rs7754840, so caffeine may only help if you’re heterozygous (the ‘CG’ genotype) for the harmful allele [R].

Moderate coffee consumption has been associated with a reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes in multiple studies, especially in younger and middle-aged women. Both chlorogenic acids and caffeine seem to account for this protective effect [R, R, R, R, R, R].

Studies show that long-term coffee consumption reduces sugar spikes and increases insulin sensitivity, leading to better blood glucose control [R].

Caffeine may work with the CDKAL1 gene to determine susceptibility to diabetes. People who are heterozygous for (i.e. only have one copy of) certain risk alleles may benefit the most from caffeine.

Healthy Weight

Detrimental CDKAL1 variants are believed to contribute to diabetes through the development of insulin resistance. CDKAL1 variants also have a complex relationship with body weight and may increase belly fat in some populations, so it’s especially important to keep your weight within the ideal range [R, R, R].

Being overweight or obese is the number one risk factor for high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Even a slight weight reduction can be beneficial [R, R, R].

The single most important thing that can help you lose weight is to consume fewer calories. Multiple studies show the effectiveness of calorie restriction in lowering blood glucose and insulin resistance [R, R, R, R].

To learn about the best ways to reach and maintain a healthy weight based on your DNA, check out our Body Weight DNA Wellness Report.

CDKAL1 variants are believed to contribute to diabetes through insulin resistance, and the best way to increase insulin sensitivity is to maintain a healthy weight.

Jasmine Foster

BSc, BEd

Jasmine received her BS from McGill University and her BEd from Vancouver Island University.

Jasmine loves helping people understand their brains and bodies, a passion that grew out of her dual background in biology and education. From the chem lab to the classroom, everyone has the right to learn and make informed decisions about their health.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

More blood sugar control blogs

Are You At Risk for Insulin Resistance and Diabetic Complications? (FOXO1) A Surprising Player in Obesity and Diabetes (PEMT) The Role Of Amino Acids In Diet, Obesity, & Diabetes (PPM1K) The Link Between Diabetes and High-Carb Foods (TCF7L2) How An Insulin Gene Influences Diet and Blood Sugar (GIPR) How A Zinc Gene Affects Blood Sugar (SLC30A8) Does This Gene Influence Your Risk of Obesity and Diabetes? (UCP3) Genetics of Inflammation, Obesity & Insulin Resistance (TNF) Does This Gene Influence Your Risk of Obesity and Diabetes? (UCP2) Can This Gene Influence Your Sugar Eating Habits? (SLC2A2)

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Does This Insulin Control Gene Protect Against Diabetes? (CDKAL1)

Summary

CDKAL1 and Blood Sugar

Your CDKAL1 Results for Blood Sugar

SNP Table

Recommendations

Caffeine

Healthy Weight

Disclaimer

More blood sugar control blogs

Content

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Essential Bundle

Essential

Bundle

Ultimate Bundle

Limited Time Offer 25% Off

Individual DNA Reports

Methylation Pathway - MTHFR Test

Histamine Intolerance DNA Pathway Report

Gut Health, Digestion & IBS DNA Report

Autoimmune Disease Risk & Prevention DNA Report

See all reports

Policies

About

Navigation

Health reports