New Study Reveals Which Genetic Factors May Influence Kidney Health in Type 1 Diabetes

Kidney disease is a serious long-term complication of Type 1 diabetes. Some people with Type 1 diabetes develop kidney problems while others do not—even when their blood sugar control is similar. Researchers have long suspected that genetics play a role in this variation, but the exact genes involved remain largely a mystery.

A new study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology examined whether genetic factors already known to affect kidney function in the general population also influence kidney health specifically in people with Type 1 diabetes.

Scientists analyzed genetic and health data from 1,304 adults with Type 1 diabetes who participated in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and its long-term follow-up study, known as EDIC. These participants have been followed for decades—in this analysis, a median of 35 years—making this one of the longest studies of Type 1 diabetes complications.

The researchers used a technique called polygenic risk scoring, which combines information from many genetic variations to predict kidney outcomes. They created two genetic risk scores: one designed to predict changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, a measure of kidney filtering ability) and another designed to predict albuminuria (protein in the urine, a sign of kidney stress).

The eGFR genetic risk score was significantly associated with kidney filtering ability in people with Type 1 diabetes. For every unit increase in the genetic risk score, participants showed a 2.72 ml/min/1.73m² higher eGFR reading on average.

The albuminuria genetic risk score was significantly associated with higher protein levels in the urine, suggesting that genes known to affect albuminuria in the general population also influence this outcome in Type 1 diabetes.

The findings suggest that genetic factors affecting kidney function in the general population do appear to matter in Type 1 diabetes as well, though the strength of these associations varies depending on which kidney measure is being examined.

This research adds to growing evidence that kidney disease in Type 1 diabetes is not solely determined by blood sugar control or other known risk factors—genetics contribute too. Understanding which genes influence kidney health could eventually help doctors identify people at higher risk and monitor them more closely.

However, genetics are only part of the story. The study does not change how Type 1 diabetes should be managed today. Blood sugar control, blood pressure management, and other established strategies remain the foundation of kidney health protection. This work simply helps scientists understand the biological mechanisms at play and may inform future personalized approaches to care.

Source: Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.