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CDKN2B

A Gene That Controls Insulin-Producing Cells (CDKN2B)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on October 13th, 2020

CDKN2B controls the growth of beta cells in the pancreas. How is it connected to insulin resistance and diabetes? Read on to find out.

Summary

CDKN2B encodes a protein that stops runaway cell growth and division. Variants of CDKN2B may play a role in high blood sugar by regulating the growth of cells that produce insulin. Lifestyle and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by increasing CDKN2B and preventing insulin levels from getting too high.

CDKN2B and Blood Sugar

The CDKN2B gene encodes cyclin-dependent kinase 4 inhibitor B, also known as multiple tumor suppressor 2 (MTS-2). Mutations in and around this gene are very common in multiple types of tumors [R].

CDKN2B gene expression is dramatically increased by TGF-beta (transforming growth factor beta), which has a wide variety of functions including to block the growth and development of some types of cells [R, R, R].

In the pancreas, CDKN2B appears to influence the growth and development of beta cells, the type of cell responsible for making insulin. Some researchers believe that this beta cell activity is directly responsible for CDKN2B’s association with type 2 diabetes [R].

More specifically, CDKN2B puts the brakes on beta cell growth, meaning that this gene’s function is to reduce insulin production. When insulin is too high, the body can become resistant to its effects, eventually leading to diabetes. Thus, high expression of CDKN2B is generally preferable to low expression [R, R].

However, the link between CDKN2B and diabetes may only exist in certain populations. For example, a study of ethnic Arabs living in Saudi Arabia found no association between CDKN2B variants and type 2 diabetes [R].

Researchers have found far-reaching associations of CDKN2B variants with related conditions, including [R, R, R]:

Heart attacks
Heart disease
Atherosclerosis
Coronary artery disease
High cholesterol

CDKN2B helps keep the growth of insulin-producing beta cells from getting out of control. Variants in this gene may lead to overproduction of insulin and high blood sugar.

Your CDKN2B Results for Blood Sugar

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs1063192
rs10811661

CDKN2B rs1063192

‘A’ = Associated with relatively higher blood sugar and incidence of diabetes
‘G’ = Associated with relatively lower blood sugar and incidence of diabetes
The ‘G’ allele may increase CDKN2B expression, leading to reduced insulin production

CDKN2B rs10811661

‘T’ = Associated with higher blood sugar in physically fit people
‘C’ = Associated with higher blood sugar in physically inactive people and lower blood sugar in physically fit people

Recommendations

Exercise

People with the ‘C’ allele at rs10811661 experienced a far greater benefit to blood sugar when they exercised than people without the ‘C’ allele. In fact, in people who are physically fit, the ‘C’ allele may be mildly protective against diabetes, compared to the ‘T’ allele [R, R].

Exercise is beneficial for blood sugar control regardless of your DNA, but people with the ‘C’ allele of rs10811661 should take special care to stay fit.

Physical activity is a great way to manage blood glucose levels, being its effectiveness higher with increased intensity and duration. Muscle activity burns glucose for energy and makes cells more sensitive to insulin [R, R, R, R, R].

Exercise is especially beneficial for blood sugar control in people with the ‘C’ allele of rs10811661.

Curcumin

Curcumin, an active compound found in turmeric, may trigger programmed cell death in damaged cells by increasing CDKN2B expression [R].

Multiple animal studies and preliminary clinical research have found that curcumin can lower blood sugar levels, decrease insulin resistance, improve the function of pancreatic cells, suppress the death of these cells, and ultimately prevent the development of diabetes [R, R].

Curcumin may increase CDKN2B expression, lower blood sugar, and improve the function of the pancreas.

Ginseng

Active compounds from Korean ginseng have been found to increase the expression of the CDKN2B gene as well as many other genes responsible for tumor prevention [R].

A review of 16 studies determined that ginseng slightly reduced fasting blood glucose but pointed out that the different ginseng types may differ in their effectiveness, making it necessary to conduct more clinical studies [R, R].

In healthy people, both American and Korean ginseng lowered blood glucose levels. However, a review of 2 studies determined that consistent ginseng consumption had no effect on blood sugar control in healthy individuals [R, R, R, R].

In people with type 2 diabetes, Korean red ginseng also had mixed results: it lowered blood sugar, insulin resistance, and glycated hemoglobin in some studies while being ineffective in others [R, R, R, R].

Ginseng extracts have been found to increase CDKN2B and reduce blood sugar in some people.

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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A Gene That Controls Insulin-Producing Cells (CDKN2B)

Summary

CDKN2B and Blood Sugar

Your CDKN2B Results for Blood Sugar

SNP Table

Recommendations

Exercise

Curcumin

Ginseng

Disclaimer

More blood sugar control blogs

Content

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Essential Bundle

Essential

Bundle

Limited time offer 25% off

Ultimate Bundle

Policies

About

Navigation

Health reports