Endocrine Abstracts

The boundary between monogenic and polygenic type 2 diabetes (T2D) or oebsity is more fluid than previously thought. Emerging research has revealed an intermediate oligogenic form of T2D/obesity, which serves as a crucial genetic bridge between these two extremes. In this presentation, I will discuss recent scientific advances supporting the classification of genes involved in oligogenic T2D/obesity. While polygenic T2D/obesity research has significantly advanced our understanding of genetic susceptibility, it has faced limitations in pinpointing direct causal relationships between genetic signals and the molecular mechanisms driving the disease. In contrast, studies on oligogenic T2D/obesity have provided clearer causal links between specific genes and disease risk, uncovering novel therapeutic targets. By recognizing oligogenic T2D/obesity as a distinct genetic entity, we open new avenues for research and precision medicine, moving beyond broad genetic risk scores toward targeted therapeutic interventions.