Hereditary Factors in Diabetes

The causes of diabetes are complex and only partly understood. Complicating the picture even further is the fact that there are multiple types, each with its own risk factors. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the most common, encompassing about 97% or more of cases in the U.S. Each results from a combination of environmental and genetic influences.

Type 2 diabetes is by far the most prevalent, accounting for 90% of all cases.

The major cause of Type 2 is believed to be obesity. Obesity stems from a combination of heredity factors and lifestyle choices, making it an excellent prototype for a diabetes' risk factor. Although exercise and diet are choices, some people are more prone to gain weight than others and other people can lose weight more easily than others can.

But there are many other factors, as well.

A history of diabetes during pregnancy contributes to part of the total risk. Just shy of 40% of women who develop diabetes during pregnancy (a type known as gestational diabetes) will later develop Type 2 diabetes. That typically occurs within 5-10 years after giving birth. Those who give birth to larger babies have a greater risk.

Genetics also influences glucose intolerance. It makes sense that glucose intolerance contributes to Type 2, since Type 2 is due to improper use of insulin, instead of insufficient insulin (Type1). Because glucose is the body's primary source of energy it is odd that this condition exists. Strange problems arise with genetic abnormalities.

Though the reasons are not completely clear, ethnicity is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Regardless of lifestyle factors, Africans, Latin Americans, Aboriginals, and some Asian groups are at higher risk. According to a one Canadian study, the incidence in these groups may be twice the incidence rate in Caucasians. Strangely, Caucasians are at the highest risk for Type 1 diabetes.

Having high blood pressure raises the odds, too. That again is partly a lifestyle (chiefly, diet and exercise) choice but it has a strong genetic aspect as well. There's a strong correlation between those with high blood pressure and those who will develop diabetes. Similarly, high cholesterol levels increase the risk. Over 40% of those with diabetes have higher than average levels of cholesterol in the blood.

The largest genetic risk factor is likely a family history of diabetes.

An individual with a parent or sibling who has Type 1 diabetes has him or herself a risk 10-20 times higher than average. For a newborn baby with a parent who has Type 1 diabetes the odds are 1 in 25, or 4% if the mother gives birth before age 25. Over age 25, the risk is 1%, about the same as the general population. The odds rise again to about 10% if either parent contracted diabetes before age 11.

Researchers are diligently studying the genetic risk factors for diabetes. In the past there was little that could be done to prevent these risks. Someday soon, genetic treatments may prevent genetic diabetes.

About the Author

Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play the Diabetes Diet Game and Win Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Visit http://www.yourdiabetescure.com and learn more about your solution for diabetes.