It is possible to genetic testing for diabetes as well. Diabetes is an inherited disease especially type 1diabetes. The chances of contracting this disease increase if any of the parents or siblings has this disease. Here are some facts on genetic testing for diabetes.Genetic testing is very important in determining the risk of developing the disease. By identifying the risk factors and the inherited capability one can prevent the occurrence of diabetes with some lifestyle changes such as exercises, diet control and so on. Read on to find more about genetic testing for diabetes. In this articleType 1 DiabetesGenetic Testing Has a Few HurdlesBut Genetic Testing is Effective on ChildrenType 2 DiabetesWhat Has Genes Got to Do With Diabetes? Type 1 Diabetes We all know that there are two types of diabetes known as type 1 and type 2. Let us deal with them individually as we discuss how genetic testing can help in their treatment and prevention. Genes play a great role as inheritance patterns matter a lot in type 1 diabetes. The genes influence the individual’s risk of contracting the type 1 diabetes. It is important to note here, one does not inherit the type 1 diabetes in a dominant or recessive mode. It is particularly the DR3 and DR4 allele along with a combination of a few other genes that enhances the risk of contracting the disease. Then there are genes like the long VNTR regions. Basically, there are around 20 genes that work in alignment with the environmental factors in order to conclude whether the individual will at all contract the disease. Genetic Testing Has a Few Hurdles Since the variable factors are extensive, researchers are having a tough time in determining the exact causative genetic factors. The gene mutations that are responsible for creating a risk is yet to be identified. It is perplexing why those with low risk genes like DR2 or DR5 still contract the type 1 diabetes. Thus genetic testing often does not give assured results. The other aspect regarding the effectiveness of genetic testing is that the doctors have not yet developed a treatment course for patients who are considered to be at high risk following the results of a genetic test. But Genetic Testing is Effective on Children If the child has any of his siblings or parents with type 1 diabetes, he is invariably exposed to the risk of developing the disease sooner or later by 15%. The condition is determined through the HLA type of genetic test along with whether there are antibodies present in his system. Type 2 Diabetes As for this variant, like type 1, the genetic tests are conducted by collecting blood samples. A genotype score is charted out for the individual who is suspected of developing type 2 diabetes. There are 18 different genes that are factors for it. There is a predictive value of the genotype score and the researchers arrive at a conclusion after comparing this score with the predictive value of the said individual’s family history. Then there are also certain psychological factors too. If most of those 18 genes that are linked to type 2 diabetes are found to be present in the genotype score, there is a higher probability of the disease occurring in the person. According to researchers knowledge and extensive information about the family history happens to be the most reliable and effective information cue in assessing whether the individual is exposed to a diabetes risk or not. The physiological risk assessment is considered to be a secondary factor. The information are then combined together to arrive at a definitive conclusion. Finally, the risk prediction for diabetes is not yet completely developed. There is a lot more to work on in order to define the link in an effectively manner. By the current knowledge available with researchers, genetic testing does not provide with any extra effectiveness. It merely establishes the suspicion regarding the probability of the person contracting the disease. Prevention is possible with diet control, exercise and regular health screenings. The probability cannot be barred even if the information is available through genetic testing. Only the condition can be improved through lifestyle checks.
It is possible to genetic testing for diabetes as well. Diabetes is an inherited disease especially type 1diabetes. The chances of contracting this disease increase if any of the parents or siblings has this disease. Here are some facts on genetic testing for diabetes.Genetic testing is very important in determining the risk of developing the disease. By identifying the risk factors and the inherited capability one can prevent the occurrence of diabetes with some lifestyle changes such as exercises, diet control and so on. Read on to find more about
genetic testing for
diabetes.
What Has Genes Got to Do With Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes
We all know that there are two types of diabetes known as type 1 and type 2. Let us deal with them individually as we discuss how genetic testing can help in their treatment and prevention. Genes play a great role as inheritance patterns matter a lot in type 1 diabetes.
The genes influence the individual’s risk of contracting the type 1 diabetes. It is important to note here, one does not inherit the type 1 diabetes in a dominant or recessive mode. It is particularly the DR3 and DR4 allele along with a combination of a few other genes that enhances the risk of contracting the disease.
Then there are genes like the long VNTR regions. Basically, there are around 20 genes that work in alignment with the environmental factors in order to conclude whether the individual will at all contract the disease.
Genetic Testing Has a Few Hurdles
Since the variable factors are extensive, researchers are having a tough time in determining the exact causative genetic factors. The gene mutations that are responsible for creating a risk is yet to be identified. It is perplexing why those with low risk genes like DR2 or DR5 still contract the type 1 diabetes. Thus genetic testing often does not give assured results.
The other aspect regarding the effectiveness of genetic testing is that the doctors have not yet developed a treatment course for patients who are considered to be at high risk following the results of a genetic test.
But Genetic Testing is Effective on Children
If the child has any of his siblings or parents with type 1 diabetes, he is invariably exposed to the risk of developing the disease sooner or later by 15%. The condition is determined through the HLA type of genetic test along with whether there are antibodies present in his system.
Type 2 Diabetes
As for this variant, like type 1, the genetic tests are conducted by collecting blood samples. A genotype score is charted out for the individual who is suspected of developing type 2 diabetes. There are 18 different genes that are factors for it.
There is a predictive value of the genotype score and the researchers arrive at a conclusion after comparing this score with the predictive value of the said individual’s family history. Then there are also certain psychological factors too. If most of those 18 genes that are linked to type 2 diabetes are found to be present in the genotype score, there is a higher probability of the disease occurring in the person.
According to researchers knowledge and extensive information about the family history happens to be the most reliable and effective information cue in assessing whether the individual is exposed to a diabetes risk or not. The physiological risk assessment is considered to be a secondary factor. The information are then combined together to arrive at a definitive conclusion.
Finally, the risk prediction for diabetes is not yet completely developed. There is a lot more to work on in order to define the link in an effectively manner. By the current knowledge available with researchers, genetic testing does not provide with any extra effectiveness. It merely establishes the suspicion regarding the probability of the person contracting the disease. Prevention is possible with diet control, exercise and regular health screenings. The probability cannot be barred even if the information is available through genetic testing. Only the condition can be improved through lifestyle checks.
