Can a Genetic Test Predict Your Health Conditions?

Written By: Indus Health Plus Doctors Team

Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Guidelines

Last Updated : 06 Dec 2023

Predictive genetic testing has become a popular choice in the healthcare industry considering its high-end technology and recognizing health conditions and traits before they start developing.

What’s a genetic test?

A genetic test identifies the minute differences in the nucleotides of your genes. A nucleotide can also be imagined as genetic markers [single polymorphisms (SNPs]). These differences are identified by a technology called genotyping. After a genetic test, a report containing your risk scores for various traits along with management recommendations is shared with you. After you receive the report, a genetic counsellor explains the report to you in detail.

How does a genetic test make predictions?

A genetic testing investigates your DNA/genes for:

• On the basis of a genetic test, you can:
• Finding the ingrained traits
• Calculates the risk score to various health conditions

Your Health is a product of your Genetics and your Lifestyle.

On the basis of a genetic test, you can:

• Understand yourself better by knowing your genetic build
• Create a food and exercise plan that suits your body 
• Personalize your lifestyle so that you are able to achieve your health goals
• Observe the symptoms for the diseases that you have a high risk for 
• Personalize your preventive health checkup plan to keep yourself in good health 

What does a genetic test predict?

Your DNA, which is extracted through your saliva sample, is genotyped to identify the SNPs that influence your genetic risks to multiple traits and parameters related to your Nutrition, Health, Fitness and Habits. These genetic risks are predetermined at the time of your birth. Given below are some of the broad parameters that can help you know more about yourself with a genetic test:

HEALTH 

• Bone and Joint Disorders
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular and Cerebral Diseases 
• Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders
• Eye Conditions 
• Gastrointestinal Disorders 
• Gynecological Disorders 
• Neurological Disorders 
• Respiratory Conditions
• Skin Conditions

NUTRITION

• Diet and Weight
• Deficiencies and Levels 
• Eating Behaviour 
• Taste Preference 
• Sensitivities and Intolerances 

FITNESS 

• Cardiovascular/Metabolic and Muscle Profile
• Sports Profile
• Other exercise related factors 

HABIT

• Alcohol Dependence 
• Caffeine Consumption 
• Nicotine Dependence 

A lot of people who have taken a genetic test have been able to improve their health by modifying their lifestyles according to the recommendations in their reports. A genetic test is very accurate and can help in curbing complex health conditions that drain out a lot of money when they reach the treatment phase. A genetic test can be quite instrumental in keeping your health and your family’s happiness intact.

Click here to know why a genetic test is an individual need.