It is fairly well known that there are genetic factors involved with the development of diabetes. This leaves one to wonder about the diabetes trait and the different aspects involved in developing diabetes. According to Wiki.Answers.com, the diabetes trait is recessive, which means there must be two copies of the gene for the trait to present itself. So, if you have diabetes it is likely that you have inherited your diabetes trait from both of your parents.
Genes are not all that are involved, however. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), this is known because of research that has been performed on identical twins. Identical twins have identical genes. The ADA states on its website that when one twin has type 1 diabetes, the other gets it only half of the time. In type 2 diabetes, the other twin’s risk is, at most, 3 in 4. This shows that, although the diabetes trait may have been inherited, it doesn’t mean that that person will get the disease.
Environmental Triggers
So, what makes the difference between the identical twin who has diabetes, and the one who doesn’t? It is believed that environmental causes trigger the gene to begin being active. This leaves a person to ask, “What is it then that triggers the diabetes trait?” Scientists are still uncertain. They do have some good theories, however.
One theory suggests that some cases of type-1 diabetes may be triggered by cold weather. This is because people have been found to develop the disease more in winter than in summer and more in cold climates than in warm climates. Of course, this also feeds into the theory that the trigger of type-1 diabetes may be a virus. It is thought that a virus that only has mild effects in most people could trigger type-1 diabetes in those with the diabetes trait. It has also been suggested that a child’s diet early in life may play a role because children that were breastfed and ate solid foods at a later age as babies were less likely to develop type-1 diabetes.
The diabetes trait plays a stronger role in those that have type-2 diabetes, although environmental factors are still thought to play a role. Lifestyle is known to be a key factor in its development. Obesity tends to run in families, but so do similar eating and exercise habits as well. So, it is uncertain whether the diabetes is due more to genetic susceptibility or lifestyle factors. What is known is that even if a person carries the diabetes trait, it is possible for that person to delay or prevent diabetes by exercising, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.
