According to Gram Research analysis, a 2026 cross-sectional study of 202 women with prediabetes found that different versions of the ITLN1 gene were linked to eating habits and body weight. Women carrying the AT gene version were 53% less likely to follow high-fat diets and weighed about 3 pounds less than those with the AA version. However, the gene showed no direct connection to blood sugar control, suggesting genetics influence food choices and weight distribution but not diabetes risk through blood sugar alone.
A new study looked at how a specific gene called ITLN1 might influence what women with prediabetes eat and their body weight. Researchers studied 202 women and found that different versions of this gene were linked to different eating habits and body measurements. Women with certain gene variations ate less fatty food and weighed less than others, though the gene didn’t seem to affect blood sugar levels directly. This discovery suggests that our genes play a role in our food choices and weight, which could help doctors give better personalized advice to people at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional study of 202 women with prediabetes found that women with the AT version of the ITLN1 gene were 53% less likely to follow high-fat dietary patterns compared to women with the AA version.
According to research reviewed by Gram, women with AT and TT gene variants of ITLN1 weighed approximately 3 pounds less on average than women with the AA variant in a study of 202 prediabetic women.
In a 2026 study of 202 women with prediabetes, the ITLN1 gene polymorphism showed no significant association with blood sugar control measures, despite clear links to dietary patterns and body weight.
A 2026 analysis of 202 prediabetic women found that 52% carried the AT version of the ITLN1 gene, which was associated with lower body weight and reduced likelihood of high-fat diet adherence.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a specific gene variation (ITLN1) affects what women with prediabetes eat, their body weight, and their blood sugar control
- Who participated: 202 women aged 18-65 years old who had been diagnosed with prediabetes (a condition where blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet diabetic)
- Key finding: Women with certain versions of the ITLN1 gene weighed less and were less likely to eat high-fat diets compared to women with other gene versions, though the gene didn’t affect blood sugar levels
- What it means for you: Your genes may influence your food preferences and weight naturally, which could help explain why some people find it easier to maintain healthy eating habits than others. However, this is early research and doesn’t mean your genes determine your destiny—lifestyle changes still matter greatly.
The Research Details
This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers took a snapshot in time of 202 women with prediabetes. They collected blood samples to measure blood sugar levels, measured body weight and waist size, asked about what the women ate, and tested their DNA to identify which version of the ITLN1 gene each woman had. The researchers used advanced DNA testing called high-resolution melting polymerase chain reaction (HRM-PCR) to identify three different gene variations: AA, AT, and TT. They then used statistical analysis to see if women with different gene versions had different eating patterns, body measurements, or blood sugar levels.
Understanding how genes influence eating habits and weight is important because it could help doctors predict who might struggle with weight management or dietary choices. If we know that certain genes make people naturally prefer healthier foods or maintain lower body weight, we could develop more personalized treatment plans for people trying to prevent type 2 diabetes.
This study has some strengths: it used proper genetic testing methods and measured multiple factors (diet, weight, blood sugar). However, it has limitations: it only included women, used convenience sampling (not random selection), and was a snapshot study rather than following people over time. The sample size of 202 is moderate. The findings need to be confirmed by larger, more diverse studies before we can be confident about the results.
What the Results Show
The researchers found three different versions of the ITLN1 gene in the study group: 15.8% had the AA version, 52% had the AT version, and 32.2% had the TT version. Women with the AT gene version were significantly less likely to follow a high-fat diet compared to women with the AA version—about 53% less likely. Women with both the AT and TT gene versions weighed about 3 pounds less on average than women with the AA version. Interestingly, women with the TT version had slightly larger waist measurements compared to the AA group, suggesting that the fat distribution around the middle was different even though overall weight was lower.
The study also measured waist-to-height ratio (a way to assess if weight is distributed healthily). Women with AT and TT gene versions had slightly higher waist-to-height ratios than those with AA versions, meaning their weight was distributed more toward the middle of their body. The three dietary patterns identified were vegetarian, high-fat, and mixed diets. The gene variation was most strongly associated with the high-fat diet pattern.
This is one of the first studies to look at how the ITLN1 gene specifically affects diet and weight in women with prediabetes. Previous research has shown that genes influence food preferences and weight regulation, but this study adds new information about a specific gene that hadn’t been thoroughly studied in this population before. The findings align with the general understanding that genetics play a role in obesity and dietary choices.
The study only included women, so results may not apply to men. It was conducted at one healthcare center using convenience sampling, which means the results might not represent all women with prediabetes. The study was a snapshot in time, not following people over months or years, so we can’t know if these patterns stay the same. The study didn’t find a connection between the gene and blood sugar control, which was unexpected and needs further investigation. The researchers acknowledge that larger, more diverse studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The Bottom Line
If you have prediabetes, focus on proven lifestyle changes: eat more vegetables, reduce high-fat foods, and maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity. While your genes may influence your natural food preferences, they don’t determine your health outcomes. Work with your doctor or a dietitian to create a personalized plan. This research is preliminary and shouldn’t change your current treatment approach.
Women with prediabetes or a family history of type 2 diabetes may find this research interesting for understanding their own eating patterns. Healthcare providers treating prediabetes should be aware of genetic factors that might influence patient behavior. This research is less relevant for people without prediabetes or those without the specific gene variations studied.
If you make dietary changes based on this research, you might see improvements in blood sugar levels within 3-6 months and weight changes within 2-4 weeks. However, these timelines vary greatly between individuals. Genetic factors are just one piece of the puzzle—consistent lifestyle changes matter more than your genes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my genes determine whether I’ll develop type 2 diabetes?
Genes influence diabetes risk but don’t determine it. This study shows certain gene versions affect weight and food choices, which are risk factors for diabetes. However, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can override genetic predisposition in most cases.
What is the ITLN1 gene and why does it matter?
ITLN1 is a gene that appears to influence how your body handles weight and food preferences. This 2026 study found it’s linked to dietary patterns in women with prediabetes, suggesting it may play a role in obesity and metabolic health.
If I have the AA gene version, does that mean I’ll gain weight?
Not necessarily. While this study found people with the AA version weighed slightly more on average, genes are only one factor. Diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management significantly influence weight regardless of your gene version.
Should I get genetic testing for the ITLN1 gene if I have prediabetes?
This research is too early to recommend routine testing. Standard prediabetes management—diet, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring—works for most people. Discuss genetic testing with your doctor only if you have specific family history concerns.
How quickly can I see results if I change my diet based on this research?
Blood sugar improvements typically appear within 3-6 months of consistent dietary changes. Weight changes may be visible within 2-4 weeks. Results vary individually, so work with your healthcare provider to set realistic expectations.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily fat intake (grams) and body weight weekly. Set a target based on your doctor’s recommendations and monitor whether you naturally gravitate toward lower-fat options over time.
- Log your meals for one week to identify your natural eating pattern (vegetarian, high-fat, or mixed). Then set one specific goal: if you tend toward high-fat foods, challenge yourself to replace one high-fat item daily with a lower-fat alternative.
- Measure waist circumference monthly and track weight weekly. Also monitor how your food preferences change as you become more aware of them. Share these trends with your healthcare provider during check-ups to adjust your prediabetes management plan.
This research is preliminary and should not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. The study was conducted only in women and has not yet been confirmed by larger, diverse studies. If you have prediabetes or concerns about your diabetes risk, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary or lifestyle changes. Genetic testing for ITLN1 is not currently recommended for routine clinical use. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.