In high school biology we learned that the genes of the species Homo sapiens (human beings) have not changed significantly in the last millennia; we’re still Homo sapiens today. We also know that the rise in type 2 diabetes basically occurred after WWII.
Leading doctors have indicated that most complex human health conditions such as type 2 diabetes are the result of a dynamic interplay of many factors including biology and the environment.
In other words, it would be nearly impossible to find any genetic basis for these types of complex health conditions which are commonly considered as lifestyle diseases because they are known to be linked to factors such as nutrition and fitness.
Shouldn’t we be curious as to why the research has been racialized? Or why do “70,000 Pacific Islanders and Filipinos” make such an attractive gene pool for research?
We have entered the biotech age. And with it come the big bucks that have become very much a part of the equation; just look at the cost of the investment at the outset ($25 per person at 70,000!)
Many groups have been studied and many new products/patents have resulted. Most of these studies have been done on indigenous peoples — the new frontier for “inner space” exploration (as compared to “outer space” exploration in the 60s.) And, people are now being sold genetically engineered insulin as a palliative, yet they are also being told that their problem is in their genes.
We must ask ourselves, then, is it the genes or is it a social problem? Are these medical researchers or gene hunters?
How are the benefits to be derived from this invasive research being shared with the human subjects involved? Will the human subjects be able to give true free, prior and informed consent before giving away their genes (through their blood)?
Are we just the market for the medical products that will result from the research? What will happen when the insurance companies find out that this group of people will eventually get type 2 diabetes or kidney disease?
Most important, who is looking out for the people’s best interests? Anyone know if there is a process or an institutional review board in place to secure the indigenous people’s best interests?
HOPE A. CRISTOBAL
Tamuning, Guam
