Psoriasis, Obesity And Diabetes Share A Genetic Link

Obesity and diabetes are among the top concerns today. But aside from the two, a new study suggests that obesity, diabetes and psoriasis are associated with each other on a genetic level.

Psoriasis, Type 2 Diabetes And Obesity Has A Common Link

According to Medscape, a new study in Denmark found a strong association between psoriasis, type 2 diabetes and obesity with modest evidence pointing to genetic link.

"The reason for the association between psoriasis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity is not only common lifestyle, but we also found a genetic association between psoriasis and obesity that was independent of other important factors," said Ann Sophie Lonnberg, lead author of the study.

Aside from genetic factors, the authors learned that poor lifestyle, including lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol intake and stress also contribute to psoriasis, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Study Details

Per Nature World News, the researchers analyzed 33,500 medical data of twin from Denmark. The data revealed that 1.4 percent of the participants had diabetes, 4.2 percent had psoriasis and 6.3 percent were clinically obese with BMI between 30 and 34.

The scientists learned that those suffering from psoriasis were also diagnosed with diabetes. In addition, people affected with psoriasis tend to have higher BMI. Only 4.1 percent of the participants with psoriasis didn't develop diabetes. With these findings, the researchers concluded that there is a link between psoriasis, obesity and diabetes.

"Psoriasis, type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity are strongly associated in adults after taking key confounding factors such as sex, age and smoking into account. Results indicate a common genetic etiology of psoriasis and obesity. Conducting future studies on specific genes and epigenetic factors that cause this association is relevant," the authors concluded.

The study is published in the journal Dermatology.

Were you surprised after finding out that psoriasis, obesity and diabetes are associated with each other? Are you practicing a healthy lifestyle to keep yourself and your family away from these conditions? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.