One of them is KCNQ1 gene polymorphism, in particular a risk allele r2283228 has been associated with a 1.7 times higher odds of developing diabetes mellitus among Malaysia Malays.32 Whether genetic polymorphism in the KCNQ1 gene or other diabetes candidate genes may account for the ethnic differences in beta-cell function warrants further investigations. The gene discussed is KCNQ1; the disease is diabetes mellitus.