TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

This invention describes the finding of a single mutation of the TIEG2 gene identified from a genome wide scan of diabetic families. The presence of this mutation, an exonic variation of TIEG2, is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes.

TIEG2 is implicated in the endocrine-exocrine balance of the pancreas and may be important in the development and regeneration of pancreatic tissues, which could influence the development of type 2 diabetes.