A positive family history of diabetes is associated with increased levels of obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, fasting triglycerides, hemoglobin AIc (HbA1c), insulin dose per kilogram, lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol3,8,11,12, a greater waist to hip ratio as well as greater body mass index (BMI)13 and a high prevalence of diabetes complications, particularly retinopathy and dyslipidemia compared to those without a relative with diabetes9. This evidence concerns the gene INS and diabetes mellitus.