For a long time, diabetes, a multi-faceted disorder that affects hundreds of millions of individuals globally, was believed to have a combination of genetic and environmental causative factors. More recent studies have begun to illuminate the multifaceted connections and interactions that occur between our genetic material and the pathophysiology of this disease.
The Genetic Link
The heritable aspect is particularly evident in the most common form of diabetes known as the Type 2 diabetes. Some studies indicate that:
If one parent is affected by type 2 diabetes, the chance of the child getting the disease is about 1.7 times plus over than a person not having genealogical record of it.
When both parents are Type 2 diabetics, the possibility for the child is nearly threefold.
Almost nine out of ten people who have type two diabetes come from families full of such medical conditions
For type 1 diabetes, there is a hereditary contribution, although it is subtle. One in 17 children of men affected with type 1 diabetes is likely to suffer it, while one of the children of a woman who has type 1 diabetes is likely to suffer it, depending on what age the mother had the baby.
Genetic Factors at Play
As many as 100 genetic loci associated with type 2 diabetes have recently been mapped out by scientists.
Some key genes linked to diabetes risk include:
- TCF7L2: Affects insulin secretion and glucose production
- ABCC8: Helps regulate insulin
- CAPN10: Associated with type 2 diabetes risk in Mexican Americans
- GLUT2: Assists in moving glucose into the pancreas
Resilience Over Genetics: The Impact Of Environmental Factors
Despite the considerable weight that genetic predispositions may have, diabetes can also be influenced by several factors, which include:
- Long-term clinics, disabilities or health problem
- Inactivity
- Nutrition
- Uncontrollable anxiety
- Weight at the time/body mass index
More importantly, factors that combine both environments and genes too can be inherited and altered such as obesity factors alongside lifestyle choices.
Ethnic Disparities
Moreover, some ethnic groups such as the following are more likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes:
- Black American
- Indigenous American
- Asian Americans
- Islander Americans
Ways Of Prevention And Control
Meanwhile, even when genetically disposed, patients can still exercise diabetes prevention:
- Try not to be overweight
- Good exercises such as walking
- Ensure proper intake of diet with nutritional components
- Limit uncontrollable anxiety
Key Mention
Although diabetes exists in one’s family genetics, due to their healthy interventions, they are not bound to experience this risk. Therefore, educating oneself about yoga is crucial in understanding the condition and how it can be prevented. Don’t forget that a healthy lifestyle has a great impact on diabetes for aging and genetically disposed individuals.