Is Type 2 Diabetes Genetic?
Diabetes is a complex condition, where several factors must come together for you to develop type 2 diabetes. For example, environmental factors such as having obesity or a sedentary lifestyle can play a role. Genetics can also influence whether you’ll get this disease.
Early diagnosis and treatment can have a positive impact on your outlook. With that in mind, knowing about risk factors for type 2 diabetes can help you make changes to prevent developing the condition.
The role of genetics in type 2 diabetes
If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there’s a good chance that you’re not the first person with diabetes in your family. You’re more likely to develop the condition if a parent or sibling has it. Several gene mutations have been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes. These gene mutations can interact with the environment and each other to further increase your risk. Scientists have linked several gene mutations to a higher diabetes risk. Not everyone who carries a mutation will get diabetes. However, many people with diabetes do have one or more of these mutations.
It can be difficult to separate genetic risk from environmental risk. The latter is often influenced by your family members. For example, parental influence of poor eating habits and lack of movement and exercise. On the other hand, genetics plays a big part in determining weight. Sometimes behaviours can’t take all the blame.
Identifying the genes responsible for type 2 diabetes
In general, mutations in any gene involved in controlling glucose levels can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes. These include genes that control:
the production of glucose
the production and regulation of insulin
how glucose levels are sensed in the body
Genes associated with type 2 diabetes risk include:
TCF7L2, which affects insulin secretion and glucose production
ABCC8, which helps regulate insulin
CAPN10, which is associated with type 2 diabetes risk in Mexican Americans
GLUT2, which helps move glucose into the pancreas
GCGR, a glucagon hormone involved in glucose regulation
What’s my risk for developing type 2 diabetes?
Your chances of developing type 2 diabetes depend on many factors. Some of these factors like your family history can’t be changed, but lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can be modified to decrease your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
You’re at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes if you:
have prediabetes
have multiple gene mutations associated with type 2 diabetes
have a family history of diabetes
have been diagnosed with high blood pressure
are age 45 years older
are overweight
are physically active less than 3 times a week
have had gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant)
have given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
have a low level of HDL, known as “good (or Happy) cholesterol”
have a high level of triglycerides (fats in your bloodstream)
have depression
have a history of heart disease or stroke
have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Genetic testing for type 2 diabetes
It is probably unrealistic to explore options for genetic testing for type 2 diabetes. A more realistic and - some may say - more accurate predictors of whether you’ll develop type 2 diabetes, include:
body mass index (BMI)
your family history
high blood pressure
high triglyceride and cholesterol levels
a history of gestational diabetes
Tips for diabetes prevention
The interactions between genetics and the environment make it difficult to identify a definite cause of type 2 diabetes. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce your risk through modifying your habits.
Simple steps can be taken to minimise blood sugar spikes throughout the day. Managing and reducing blood sugar spikes will minimise the havoc that can be created in our bodies that over time will encourage pre-diabetes and subsequent type 2 diabetes. Moreover, with correct supervision, effective behavioural change around what we eat and how much we move can result in diabetes remission. Explore other blogs on our website to learn more or simply contact Cuppa Squad to seek advice.
Extracts taken from Lia Tabackman from www.healthline.com