Objectives Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 40 common sequence variants associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the results are not always the same in populations with differing genetic backgrounds. We evaluated a hypothesis that a North Asian population living in a geographic area with unusually harsh environmental conditions developed unique genetic risks. Methods We performed a population-based association study with 21 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 9 genes selected according to the results of GWAS conducted in other populations. The study participants included 393 full-heritage Mongolian individuals, 177 diagnosed with T2D and 216 matched controls. Genotyping was performed by TaqMan methodology. Results The strongest association was detected with SNPs located within the potassium-channel coding KCNQ1 (highest OR=1.92; P=3.4×10−5) and ABCC8 (OR=1.79; P=5×10−4) genes. Genetic variants identified as strongly influencing the risk of T2D in other populations such as those in KCNJ11 or TCF7L2 genes did not show statistically significant association in Mongolia. Conclusions The strongest T2D risk-associated SNPs in Mongolians are located within 2 of 3 tested potassium-channel coding genes; accumulated variations in these genes may be related to environmental exposure to extreme cold.

Little is known about factors influencing children's dietary intake in Mongolia, a country undergoing rapid nutrition transition. Using nationally representative data from the 2017 Mongolia National Nutrition Survey, we assessed the nutritional status of children aged <2 years and examined household, maternal, and child factors associated with feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months ( n = 938). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of minimum meal frequency (MMF), minimum dietary diversity (MDD), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD). The prevalence of child stunting (length/height‐for‐age Z ‐score < −2 SD ) was 6.3%, and the prevalence of overweight (weight‐for‐height Z ‐score > +2 SD) was 16.8%. The prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency was 39.0% and 32.2%, respectively, and 73.5% and 85.5% of children had inadequate vitamin A and vitamin D status, respectively. Of children aged 6‐23 months, 92.1% ( n = 864) had MMF, 49.6% ( n = 465) had MDD, and 43.8% ( n = 411) achieved MAD. Increased household wealth was positively associated with all three indicators, whereas severe food insecurity was not associated with MMF, MDD, or MAD. Older child age (odds ratio, 95% CI: 1.09 [1.06, 1.12]; p < .001) and maternal dietary diversity (odds ratio, 95% CI: 2.36 [1.67, 3.34]; p < .001) were positively associated with child MDD. Nutrition‐specific and nutrition‐sensitive efforts are needed to improve the dietary quality of infants and young children in Mongolia and reduce the high burdens of child micronutrient deficiency and overweight in the country.