Diabetes mellitus. Is it inherited?
NewsOur genes contain information that determines the individual characteristics of each person: eye color, hair, skin tone, etc., as well as the nature of metabolism.
There are also external factors that affect the activity of genes responsible, in particular, for the peculiarities of carbohydrate metabolism.
- As a result, this can contribute to the development of diabetes mellitus or, conversely, prevent its occurrence.
But can it be inherited?
Let's take a closer look.
Diabetes can indeed be hereditary in nature. However, it is called a "multifactorial" disease. I.e., eating habits, overweight, inactivity – in other words, lifestyle - play a significant role in the "launch" of the disease.
Therefore, it does not develop only because of heredity.
- In order for the disease to manifest itself, it is necessary that other factors be added to the genetic predisposition.
Is type 2 diabetes inherited?
It really is.
- In recent years, scientists have found over 100 genes that are associated with the risk of diabetes. This means that a predisposition to the disease can be transmitted from parents to children.
The researchers found that if mom or dad is diabetic, the chance of a child getting sick is 35-39%. When both parents are ill, the risk is almost twice as high – 60-70%. Such figures are depressing, but in real life the situation looks more optimistic, and that's why.
The hereditary information embedded in genes cannot be changed, but it is quite possible to influence epigenetic factors.
What needs to be done to reduce the risk of diabetes? First of all, change your lifestyle:
- adjust the weight;
- master proper nutrition;
- add feasible physical activity.
Is type 1 diabetes inherited?
Yes, it is associated with a genetic predisposition, but this does not mean that the disease is necessarily transmitted from parents to children. Heredity is just one of the risk factors.
Let's take a closer look:
- If the father has type 1 diabetes, the risk for the child is approximately 3.6-8.5%.
- If it is diagnosed in the mother, the probability is lower — about 1.1-3.6%.
- The greatest risk (up to 34%) is observed in cases where both parents have the disease. Nevertheless, even with this option, it is impossible to say with certainty that the child will definitely get sick.
Sometimes type 1 diabetes also appears in those families where there have been no cases of the disease before. In such cases, the overall risk is about 0.2–0.4%.
- If one child falls ill with parents who do not suffer from diabetes, the probability of its occurrence in his brothers or sisters grows to 4%. When two children are ill, the risk for the rest of the family increases to 9.5%.
Thus, we can talk about the presence of a hereditary predisposition, but not about a complete guarantee of the development of the disease. Unlike those forms of diabetes, where a mutation of a certain gene almost inevitably leads to disease, with type 1 diabetes, the presence of a genetic propensity only indicates a potential risk, and does not determine the future with absolute accuracy.
One way or another, reactions to lifestyle changes are different for all people. Correction of eating habits helps one more, physical activity and exercise help the other.
- But in any case, it is quite possible to reduce the risk of getting diabetes.
We recommend that you check your blood sugar levels regularly, follow a healthy lifestyle, and get tested.
Be healthy!
