In this study we aimed to investigate (1) the relationship of specific KCNQ1 gene SNPs in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes by examining their association with metabolic traits and insulin secretion during hyperglycemic clamps, and (2) whether these SNPs relate to the risk of developing diabetes complications and to the risk of mortality among type 2 diabetes patients of Dutch origin. Here, KCNQ1 is linked to diabetes mellitus.