Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), a serious health concern on a global scale, has been growing at an alarming rate during the past century. Problems with insulin secretion, insulin action, or both might produce hyperglycemia, which is the main symptom. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. The insulin secretion process is complex and involves multiple genes and the connections between them. Pancreatic beta cells secrete insulin via an ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel. The KATP channel pore is formed by four inward-rectifier potassium ion channel (Kir6.2) tetramers, and the channel is surrounded by sulfonylurea receptor 1 subunits. The channel is heteromeric in nature. The KCNJ11 gene, which is a member of the potassium channel family, codifies Kir6.2. The present evidence regarding the role of common KCNJ11 genetic variations in the development of DM is summarized in this review.

Conclusion: The role of interactions between KCNJ11 single nucleotide polymorphisms and diabetes mellitus susceptibility has been documented in a large body of research. The literature suggests that various forms of diabetes are linked to variations in the KCNJ11 gene. This begs the question, in terms of their relative importance, which KCNJ11 polymorphisms and combinations contribute most to the onset of DM?