More people are getting curious about their genetics, leading to DNA testing services becoming popular. They offer screening services that detail the potential genetic predispositions to conditions such as cancer. People with diabetes sometimes wonder if lifestyle or genetics is the reason behind their condition, and finding the exact cause can be tricky for each patient.
How Genes Cause Medical Conditions
DNA carries genes and information that decides the function and shape of our bodies. It is the one that determines our height and whether we have trouble digesting specific foods. Parents combine their DNA and pass the genes to their children during the reproductive process. A parent who has a medical condition has a high chance of having a child who has the same condition. It is still unclear for most medical conditions if their cause is genetic, a random chance, or a product of the environment. There is genetic research still going on, hoping to produce new information that can answer these questions.
Gene for Diabetes
There is a gene for both types of diabetes. The variety of genes that can cause a particular condition makes the study of genetics difficult. In addition, behavior and environment influence how specific genes are expressed. That is why there is no definitive way that a gene can cause diabetes.
Those with Type 1 diabetes have a strong genetic link to the condition which means their children have more risk of developing the condition. Some studies show environmental factors like exposure to specific substances in the womb or the mother’s lifestyle can contribute to the development of the disease.
Individuals with Type 2 diabetes also have a definitive genetic link that may predispose a person to develop the condition. A family history of diabetes is enough reason to monitor early signs, especially when other risk factors are at play, such as smoking, diet, obesity, and specific medications. All these increase the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, and that is why doctors encourage clients to reduce the risk factors when the disease runs in the family.
Whose Fault Is It?
No matter the genetic history or lifestyle choices, you cannot blame diabetes on anyone. It is not you or your parent’s fault when diabetes is developed. Instead of blaming it on genetics and lifestyle choices, view these two as patterns that carry a small amount of risk. Having a specific gene is not a guarantee that someone will develop diabetes.
Determining Your Child’s Risk
The American Diabetes Association states that the chance of a man with Type 1 diabetes producing an offspring with the same condition is between 5% to 6%, and the number varies from 1% to 4% for women. Other factors include race, age the child is conceived, and medical conditions that can affect the chance’s rise and fall. Research like TrialNet uses genetic screening to determine a person’s risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.
Regardless of the mentioned risk factors, it is crucial to remember that diabetes is not a condition that should stop you from doing what you want in life. You can go out and live fearlessly with adhesive patches and tape to secure your diabetes sensors. Skin Grip offers compatible adhesive patches for many devices, and they are also hypoallergenic and medical quality.
source: https://skingrip.com/blogs/t1d-tips/what-role-does-dna-play-in-diabetes
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