Are You At Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Genetically?

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is metabolic disorder in which body is unable to metabolize blood glucose levels otherwise known as blood sugar. Without ongoing, careful management, diabetes can lead to a buildup of sugars in the blood which can increase the risk of dangerous complications including stroke and heart disease.

There are different types of diabetes and not each is caused by excessive weight gain or inactive lifestyle. Type 1 Diabetes is juvenile diabetes cause when body is unable to produce insulin at all and is diagnosed in childhood. Type 2 Diabetes is caused when cells in body does not respond to insulin effectively as before. Gestational diabetes is caused during pregnancy when cells become insulin resistance for brief period of time, it usually subsides after childbirth.

Risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes

• Lack of exercise or physical activity
• Unhealthy meal choice - more of carbohydrates, fats and less fiber
• Obesity or overweight - makes you more insulin resistant
• Family history of diabetes

Genetics of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is a complex disorder. This is one of the most common diabetes observed in population worldwide and shows strong links with obesity. Several factors must combine together to develop type 2 diabetes. It is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Scientists have linked several gene mutations to a higher diabetes risk. However, many people with diabetes do have one or more of these genetic mutations. It can be difficult to separate genetic risk from environmental risk.

If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes then you might not be only one in family. It is likely that any of your parent or sibling may have it already. This is because family members share genes, food choices and environment. Also certain genetic factors play an important role in determining weight which has direct effect on glucose metabolism.

Genetic testing for Type 2 Diabetes

Studies state there are numerous mutations have been shown to affect type 2 diabetes risks. The contribution of each gene is generally small. However, each additional mutation you have seems to increase your risk. By decoding the predisposition of faulty gene with a DNA test it gives you an idea how much risk you are at developing disease based on variation in genes. DNA test report can help you reduce your risk through lifestyle changes.

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