Is Diabetes Hereditary Or Genetic

Genetics plays a huge role in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, so yes, it can be hereditary.

Diabetes is one of the most disturbing health conditions affecting over 38.4 million people of all ages, or 11.6% of the U.S. population. Since it is a complex, hereditary health condition, knowing your family history is a great way to get ahead of it and discover ways to prevent it.

In this article, you will learn about the various kinds of diabetes and know the ones most prone to hereditary, genetics, and more. 

Not all types of diabetes can be passed down the family tree. Since there are different types of diabetes, it is important to identify the various types prone to genetics. 

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies destroy insulin-making cells in the pancreas. In most cases, people need to inherit the risk factors (genes like HLA-DR3 or HLA-DR4) from both parents. Your environment can trigger these risk factors.
• Type 2 diabetes is more linked to family history and race than type 1, with environmental factors still a part of its occurrence and repetition in families. The risk of getting it increases with the number of family members who have the disease. Lifestyle factors like obesity, eating, and exercise habits also play a major role.  

Other types of diabetes, like gestational diabetes common among pregnant women, can also be gotten from your parents. However, good lifestyle habits and eating habits can help prevent its occurrence.

How Is Diabetes Affected By Genetics?

While genetics sets the stage for diabetes, environmental factors like diet and physical activity often determine whether the condition develops or not. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are highly affected by genetics.

For type 1 diabetes, the HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) genes increase the risk of autoimmune attacks on insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. While family history can increase the risk, environmental triggers like infections are what activate the disease.

Genetics plays a stronger role in type 2 diabetes, with variants in genes like TCF7L2 and PPARG linked to insulin resistance and glucose regulation issues. A family history of type 2 diabetes increases the risk too, especially when combined with bad lifestyle habits like obesity and inactivity. Ethnic background also influences genetic predisposition, with some groups at higher risk than others.

Rare forms of diabetes, like monogenic diabetes, are caused by mutations in a single gene and can appear at a young age.

What Is My Risk Of Getting Type 2 Diabetes

Whether you have family members living with type diabetes or not, it is normal to evaluate your risk factors so you can prevent it. Below are some of the concerns you should watch out for. 

• Family members with type 2 diabetes: If your parents or siblings are living with type diabetes, then the chances of you having them are high. 
• If you are overweight: Studies show that obesity and a sedentary lifestyle increase insulin insensitivity, thereby increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Had gestational diabetes: if you had gestational diabetes when pregnant or had a baby weighing over 9 pounds, you are at a risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 
• American Indian, African American, Hispanic, or Latino: You are at risk of contracting type 2 diabetes if you are of these races. This is caused by environmental factors and genetic variation that increases insulin resistance. Other factors like socio-economic conditions, eating patterns, and sedentary lifestyles have also been linked to it. 
• Limited physical activity: If you are physically active only a few times a month, you are likely to develop this health condition, especially if it is in your family history. 

Can You Avoid Diabetes If It Runs In Your Family?

The answer is yes.  Here are ways you can defeat the onset of whatever type of diabetes.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

Weight management is one of the first things you must do when you find two or more family members battling this health condition. Give time to more aerobics and balanced nutrition, and preferably, have a dietician recommend a preventive diet for you.

• Balanced diet

Specifically, eat more vegetables, lean proteins, fruits, and whole grains and cut down on processed foods because they contain preservatives, refined carbs, and added sugars. Focus on foods that lower blood sugar.

• Watch your blood sugar levels.

Get regular blood sugar tests. This will help you modify your diet immediately when there is a sugar spike and get the appropriate medication.

• Be physically active

Regular exercise is essential to prevent the onset of diabetes. It shouldn’t be tedious; simple brisk walking, swimming, and cycling are easy ways to stay fit and strong. 

• Manage stress

If you have diabetes in your lineage, you must reduce stress at all costs. You can do that by practicing yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation. 

• Reduce alcohol and tobacco intake.

A high intake of alcohol and tobacco can increase diabetes complications, so if you are predisposed to its risks, then you might want to limit your consumption. 

• Take more Vitamin D

Vitamin D is necessary in the management of blood sugar, which is why exposure to early sunlight is as vital as consumption of Vitamin-D-containing foods. In the absence of these, you can augment it by buying over-the-counter supplements. 

⁠FAQS

What are the symptoms of a prediabetic person?

Prediabetic people can notice increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, numbness and tingling hands and feet, blurred vision, frequent infection, slow healing wounds, and unexplainable weight loss.

Is type 2 diabetes genetic?

Yes, type 2 diabetes has a strong link to family history.

Is diabetes hereditary from the mother or father?

Diabetes can be inherited from both parents.

Wrapping Up

Several studies prove that diabetes is a genetically derived health condition. If your parents or grandparents had it, you stand a higher risk of contracting the disease. However, you can prevent diabetes with the right lifestyle changes and healthy practices, as shared in this blog. 

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