US researchers believe genetic screening has a small impact on identifying individuals at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

According to the study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, compared to recognized risk factors of the condition, genetic screening based on 18 risk alleles is only slightly more predictive.

Findings revealed that there are 25 genetic variants associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, adding that the more genetic variants an individual has, the higher the risk of developing the condition.

While family history of the disease, obesity, smoking and impaired glucose tolerance are strong predictors of diabetes, eleven of the diabetes-linked genetic variants increase the risk of developing the condition, independent of the clinical risk factors.

Scientists concluded that adopting a healthy diet, exercising and losing weight are critical points individuals at high risk for diabetes should keep in mind.

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