Recent studies have uncovered the collaborative relationship between K+ channels auxiliary SUR1 and Kir6.2 gating, as well as the impact of K+ channel mutations such as KCNK11 Leu114Pro, KCNQ1Arg397Trp, KCNJ11Arg136Cys, KCNK16 Leu114Pro, and KCNMA1 Gly356Arg on diabetes mellitus and associated complications. The gene discussed is KCNJ11; the disease is diabetes mellitus.