Is Diabetes A Genetic Disease That Is Inherited?

It is legitimate and logical to wonder “is diabetes a genetic disease” because so many people in the same family seem to get it in the same family. It doesn’t seem to be inherited in the traditional sense, but it is also true that some people seem to be born predisposed to getting diabetes. So is diabetes a genetic disease? Let’s take a look at some information that may lead to that conclusion.

Is Diabetes A Genetic Disease That You Can Be Pre-Disposed To?

Although type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different causes, there are similar factors that connect the two in ways that suggest a diabetes genetic disease connection. It seems that the predisposition to diabetes is something that is inherited, but it takes a separate trigger in the environment to actually trigger it.  The direct genetic connection is argued against by looking at identical twins. If it were a genetic disease, diabetes should appear in both twins, since they are genetically equal. But when a twin has diabetes, the other twin only has it 50 to 75% of the time. The risk factor is higher in type 2 diabetes than type 1.

Is Diabetes A Genetic Disease That Is Inherited From One, Or Both Parents?

In cases of type 1 diabetes, people need to inherit this risk factor from both parents instead of just one. But what are the triggers if both parents are pre-disposed? Being white seems to be a factor because whites have a higher rate of type 1 diabetes than other races. But is diabetes a genetic disease of whites? The answer would have to be no because the same scenario is seen in other races as well but not at the high rates seen in whites.

Cold weather seems to be another possible trigger because type 1 diabetes develops more often in the winter months and in colder climates. But this would have to be considered anecdotal at this point. Early diet could also be a trigger, since type 1 diabetes is seen less I breast fed babies than in those that are not.

Is Diabetes a Genetic Disease in Type 2 Diabetes?

It does seem that type 2 diabetes has a stronger family tie than type 1 diabetes. But environmental triggers seem to be an important factor here as well. Twins show a much higher correlation of type 2 diabetes. The probability of a twin developing type 2 diabetes when the other twin has it is about 75%. So is diabetes a genetic disease? The jury is still out when it comes to absolute proof. But the correlation seems high and further research will no doubt shed more light on the answer.