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MyOme Launches Type 2 Diabetes Integrated Polygenic Risk Score (iPRS)

MyOme, a prominent company specializing in clinical whole genome testing and polygenic risk modeling, has made a significant advancement in proactive health solutions with the launch of its Type 2 Diabetes Integrated Polygenic Risk Score (iPRS). This innovative tool aims to empower individuals and healthcare providers with a deeper understanding of genetic risk factors related to Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), which is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases globally.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 37 million Americans currently have diabetes, with T2D constituting around 90-95% of the total cases. Alarmingly, an additional number of U.S. adults—roughly 96 million—are classified as prediabetic, heightening their risk for developing this condition. The impact of diabetes as a public health concern is profound, being the eighth leading cause of death in the United States and responsible for around 100,000 fatalities each year. The CDC, along with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Diabetes Association, recognizes the urgent need for effective management and prevention strategies.

The T2D iPRS incorporates insights derived from approximately 1.3 million genetic risk factors, alongside a person’s health history, to deliver a comprehensive evaluation of T2D risk. By integrating insights from both common and rare genetic variants, MyOme’s approach transcends the limitations of traditional genetic testing methods, offering a holistic view of risk that facilitates timely interventions and tailored health decisions. The overarching goal is not only to delay or prevent the onset of diabetes but also to enhance the quality of life for patients, while potentially reducing healthcare costs for health systems, employers, and insurers.

Dr. Akash Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at MyOme, expressed the company’s mission: “We aim to empower individuals to take control of their health through comprehensive genomic insights.” The introduction of the T2D iPRS augments MyOme's existing genetic risk assessments, notably its Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) iPRS, thereby addressing two closely related conditions that significantly impact global health.

“The integration of both cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors enables healthcare providers and patients to make informed decisions regarding preventive measures and long-term health strategies,” Dr. Kumar noted.

Expanding MyOme’s Proactive Health Solutions

The T2D iPRS joins an expanding array of services aimed at proactive health management that MyOme provides, which includes the following offerings:

• - Single-Gene Screen Report: This report detects disease-causing variants in specific genes associated with various disorders, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory conditions.
• - Medication Response Report: This tool identifies genetic variants that influence individual responses to commonly prescribed medications, aiding in personalized treatment plans.
• - Integrated Polygenic Risk Scores (iPRS): For instance, the Coronary Artery Disease iPRS utilizes a comprehensive set of genetic markers combined with clinical data for individualized heart health assessments.

Participants of MyOme can expect continuous updates to their reports as new scientific knowledge and tools develop.

For those seeking more information on MyOme's advanced health solutions, the company's website provides valuable insights into their portfolio and offerings.

Overview of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is not only the most common form of diabetes but also poses substantial health risks, impacting over 37 million people in the U.S. and around 460 million worldwide. It arises when the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas fails to produce enough of it, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. The complications associated with this condition include an increased risk of various serious health issues, such as heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, and nerve damage. Moreover, diabetes carries a heavy financial burden, costing over $327 billion per year in the U.S. due to direct medical expenses and lost productivity.

Major factors contributing to T2D include family history, obesity, physical inactivity, and poor dietary habits. Often, the onset of this disease is gradual, and individuals may remain oblivious to their condition for years. However, early identification of risk and proactive lifestyle modifications can significantly delay or even prevent the disease's development.

Conclusion

MyOme’s Integrated Polygenic Risk Score (iPRS) for Type 2 Diabetes exemplifies the transformative potential of genomic health in identifying genetic risks and guiding preventive healthcare strategies. By equipping individuals and their healthcare providers with actionable insights, MyOme is poised to redefine the landscape of diabetes prevention and management for a healthier future.