Previous research has suggested that raised levels of this marker are linked with an increased risk of diabetes but to date it has not been clear whether C-reactive protein actually causes the condition.

Brunner and colleagues use a technique called Mendelian randomization to control for the effect of other variables (such as obesity, blood pressure, and socio-economic position) which might play a role in the development of diabetes.

The researchers show that levels of C-reactive protein in the blood are not likely to cause diabetes.

In a related Perspective, Bernard Keavney from the University of Newcastle – who was not involved in the research – discusses the significance of the findings, commenting that technical advances in gene sequencing will, in future, make it easier to carry out such studies.