In context of the known function of the protein encoded by KCNQ1 it is also interesting to note the potential relationship between an increased risk of sudden cardiac death with unknown etiology in individuals with diabetes [26], supported by recent studies showing genome-wide significant association with common variation in KCNQ1 and QT-interval of the ECG [21], [22], as well as association with the Mendelian long QT syndrome and sudden death [27]. This evidence concerns the gene KCNQ1 and diabetes mellitus.