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Is Type 2 Diabetes Genetic?

Type 2 diabetes is usually classified as insulin resistance. The body continues to make insulin, sometimes in very high amounts, but it is unable to use the insulin correctly. The result is hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and the complications that it causes. It is believed that Type 2 diabetes is genetic, but also environmental. While a predisposition is genetically present, lifestyle choices can make a difference in whether the disease actually develops.

  1. History

    • Diabetes has been a known disease for thousands of years, though its exact causes were unknown until modern times. Early treatments involved strict diets. In the 1800s the association between diabetes and the pancreas became known. The fact that there were different types of diabetes was discovered in 1936; in 1959 Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes were identified. Since then, research has continued to look for the causes of and cures for diabetes.

    Research

    • It is an established fact that Type 2 diabetes is a genetic disease. Research is being conducted to discover the genes responsible. This is done through the study of the DNA of people with diabetes and a control group without a family history of the disease. While specific genes have been identified as contributing to the disease, it is believed that more are involved. There are also rare cases when diabetes develops from just one mutated gene.

    Risk Factors

    • The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes increases if a family member has the disease. The general population has a 5% risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The risk increases to approximately 12% if an immediate member of the family, a sibling or parent, has Type 2 diabetes. The environmental aspect of the disease presents other risk factors. Obesity and having a BMI over 25 is linked to Type 2 diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle is also considered a risk factor.

    Prevention

    • There is a large body of evidence that proves Type 2 diabetes can be controlled, and in some cases delayed or prevented, through lifestyle changes. Whether this is true for everyone with a genetic predisposition remains unclear. However, those at risk benefit from eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats and simple carbohydrates. Regular exercise is equally important. Exercise helps the body use insulin more efficiently. The result is better blood glucose control.

    Treatment

    • Type 2 diabetes treatments involve a combination of diet, exercise and oral medications. Over time, the pancreas may lose its ability to produce insulin. If that happens, the Type 2 diabetic will eventually require insulin treatments.

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