Expression of a specific component of the KATP channel (Kir6.2 subunit) is reduced in the ventromedial and dorsomedial hypothalamus in pre-diabetic compared to non-diabetic zucker rats (Gyte et al., 2007) highlighting that hypothalamic nutrient sensing is also dysfunctional in obesity and could contribute to obesity-induced T2DM. The gene discussed is KCNJ11; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.