In two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis using the PNPLA3, TM6SF2 and MBOAT7 variants as instruments for hepatic fat, the causal OR for risk of T2D for a 1 standardized unit increase in genetically determined hepatic fat was 1.31 (95% c.i., 1.20–1.43; P = 1.2 x 10−9). Here, PNPLA3 is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus.