GENNID: Sea Island Families Project

A component of Project SuGAR was funded by the American Diabetes Association. This component, called GENNID (Genetics of Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes), was performed at multiple sites throughout the United States. The data and DNA from all sites are pooled to create a national resource. Other investigators trying to find diabetes genes can then access this resource to help them in their efforts. However, this component of Project SuGar is no longer recruiting patients. Over GENNID enrolled 200 families.

Goals:

• Identify genes contributing to the onset of Type 2 Diabetes
• Understand why these how these genes cause the disease

These will lead to:

• Earlier diagnosis and/or
• Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes
• Development of new tools, and
• Development of new treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

MUSC is one of thirteen national centers involved in this study of the genetic causes of diabetes. Genetic samples were being collected from hundreds of Hispanic, Caucasian, and African American families. The study focused on affected sibling pairs (see below).

Inclusion criteria included:

• At least one brother or sister with Type 2 Diabetes
• At least one affected biological parent
• Participants must currently live in South Carolina

Participants in the GENNID study received:

• A clinical examination
• Vital signs
• Cholesterol profile
• Monetary compensation is available