Who Should Be Tested For Diabetes, And How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
April 28, 2021
Gestational Diabetes Preventions And Precautions
April 28, 2021
Diabetes is a complex health condition. Many factors need to come together for you in order to develop type 2 diabetes. For instance, living a sedentary lifestyle and obesity play an important role. Genetics also has the ability to influence whether you will develop this disease in the future.
Similar to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can also be inherited. This means that a group of genes that are linked to type 2 diabetes is passed down from parents to children. Not every single person who inherits these genes develops the condition; however, if you possess the responsible genes, the chances of developing type 2 diabetes are higher.
Family History
If you develop type 2 diabetes, there is a high probability that you are not the first person in your family to have this condition. The likelihood of you developing type 2 diabetes is higher if a sibling or a parent has it.
Numerous genetic mutations have been associated with the development of this form of diabetes. These genetic mutations have the ability to interact with each other as well as the environment to increase your risks even further.
Role Played by Genetics in Type 2 Diabetes
Scientists have found the link between numerous genetic mutations and the risk associated with type 2 diabetes. That said, not everyone with a mutation will eventually get it. However, several people with diabetes do possess one or more genetic mutations.
Separating environmental risk from genetic risk can be quite difficult. The former is influenced directly by your family members. For instance, parents who demonstrate healthy eating habits are more likely to pass these traits to the next generation. Conversely, genetics plays a major role in determining your weight. Therefore, behaviours cannot be blamed all the time.
Identification of the Genes Responsible
Studies involving twins indicate that type 2 diabetes might have a link with genetics. These studies were further complicated by environmental factors that also play a role in increasing your risks of acquiring this disease.
Several genetic mutations are responsible for affecting the risk associated with type 2 diabetes. Each gene contributes in a very small manner. That said, each further mutation you possess ups your risk.
Generally, mutations in any specific gene that regulates glucose levels can increase your risk. These include genes that directly control:
- Formation of glucose in the body
- Formation and regulation of the hormone, insulin
- The manner in which glucose levels are sensed in your body
Genes that up the risk associated with type 2 diabetes include the following:
- TCF7L2 (affects secretion of insulin and production of glucose)
- ABCC8 (regulates insulin levels)
- CAPN10 (associated with risk in specific population such as Mexican-Americans)
- GLUT2 (helps in the movement of glucose to the pancreas)
- GCGR (which is a glucagon hormone that is involved in regulation of glucose)
Genetic Tests for Type 2 Diabetes
Specific tests are available for some types of genetic mutations that are associated with type 2 diabetes. However, the increase in risk for a given mutation is small.
Conclusion
When you know your risks of developing type 2 diabetes, you can successfully make changes to prevent its onset. Inform your doctor if any of your family members have developed type 2 diabetes. Doctors can then decide if genetic testing needs to be carried out.
Type 2 diabetes is known to run in families partly because children learn poor dietary habits from their parents. However, a genetic basis, too, exists. The good news is that this form of diabetes can be prevented by the youth if they exercise and make healthy food choices.
