There is no denial of the fact that the world has seen a steep spike in diabetes cases, particularly type 2 diabetes. It has turned out to be a serious health issue, on a global scale. The World Health Organization (WHO) has already reported an alarming increase in diabetes cases globally.

As per the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), nearly 537 million adults worldwide had diabetes in 2021, and this statistic will likely be to the tune of 783 million by the year 2045! The most obvious query that goes around in the world fraternity is whether diabetes is inherited, or to be more particular, is diabetes a genetic disease. We, on this page, discuss the genetic factors responsible for type 2 diabetes. We also discuss whether diabetes is indeed inherited and how family history can influence the probability.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes can be defined as a chronic condition that affects the way the human body processes glucose levels or blood sugar. There are two primary varieties of diabetes – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system of the body takes on the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, thus stopping the natural insulin-producing mechanism of the body. Type 2, on the other hand, occurs when the body starts resisting insulin or stops producing the requisite amount of insulin that is needed to maintain the normal level of blood glucose.
The Type 1 variety is largely caused by genetic and autoimmune factors, type 2 version of diabetes is more complex and involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

What Causes Diabetes?

There are a wide range of factors that influence the occurrence and development of type 2 diabetes. Genetics is one of the most important factors that play a significant impact, even though lifestyle decisions like obesity, poor food habits, and lethargic lifestyles with no physical activities are the key causes. Still, genetic predisposition remains one of the most important risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Is Diabetes a Genetic Disease?

Is diabetes a genetic disease? Yes, but with certain conditions. Type 2 variants of diabetes tend to run down from one generation to the next in families, thus consolidating the fact that a genetic component plays a pivotal role in its development.

However, genetics alone is not the sole determinant factor that decides whether an individual will develop diabetes. There are certain other environmental factors like diet and physical activities, weight stress and strain, which play a pivotal role in triggering the disease in individuals, who have genetically inherited a diabetic predisposition. The factors mentioned here will only exacerbate genetic susceptibility.

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms and Family History

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes generally develop in a slow, gradual way, and in most cases, the symptoms cannot be even spotted till the disorder reaches an advanced stage.

The most common type 2 diabetes symptoms include:

  • Increased thirst and a tendency of frequent urination
  • Extreme appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow-healing cuts and sores
  • Frequent infections

Those having a history of diabetes in the family need to be extremely careful and keep a close watch on these symptoms. It will help in early medical intervention and arrest the rise in blood sugar levels early on.

Can You Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?

While it is not possible to alter genetics, there are several ways to minimise the probability of developing the type 2 variant of diabetes—even if there is a family history of this particular variant of diabetes. They include:

  • Healthy eating:
  • Regular physical activity:
  • Weight management:
  • Regular health check-ups:

What Foods to Avoid with Diabetes

The following foods are strict NO-NO in the life of a diabetic individual:

  • Sugary beverages
  • Processed foods high in refined carbs
  • Fried foods and those rich in unhealthy fats
  • High-sugar snacks, sweets, desserts

Traditional foods like brown rice, dal (lentils), and vegetables like spinach and cauliflower are good options for an Indian diabetic diet chart. Blood sugar levels can be controlled by avoiding fatty, heavy foods like samosas and sweets like gulab jamun.

Genetics vs. Lifestyle: The Two Factors that Shape Your Risk

While genetics has a role in the occurrence of type 2 diabetes, lifestyle decisions may be even more significant. Genes cannot be changed, but you can influence things like weight, the presence of high blood sugar, lack of physical activity, and food, all of which have a big influence on whether you get diabetes. Making healthy lifestyle choices at a young age can help lower the risk of diabetes in persons with a family history of the disease.

Conclusion

Knowing the risks and adopting proactive measures to maintain a healthy lifestyle can help you manage your risk and live a healthy life if diabetes runs in your family.