Hereditary Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is not entirely hereditary either. There is some genetic pattern to this condition. According to studies however, if only 1 parent has Type 2 diabetes, there is a 15 percent chance that the child could develop the disease. If both parents have Type 2 Diabetes, then there is a 75 percent chance that the kids could develop the disease. However, the genetic risk of developing diabetes does not mean that the chronic condition is unavoidable. Keeping a healthy diet and weight and leading an active lifestyle can prevent the condition.

People with no family history may also develop Type 2 diabetes due to poor lifestyle and diet choices.

Hereditary Risk for Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes usually develops among women during their pregnancy. This affects almost 7 percent of all pregnant women. When a woman is pregnant, the body will require more insulin in order to keep the blood levels in check. But if a woman’s pancreas will fail to deliver the right amount of insulin, then this can lead to a sudden increase in the blood sugar level, which leads to gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is not hereditary. This condition cannot be passed on by the parents to any of their kids.

Other Factors that Could Affect the Development of Diabetes

Aside from the genes, there are several other factors that could contribute to the development of diabetes. Among the risk factors are Vitamin D deficiency, exposure to certain viruses and other underlying autoimmune diseases. Other factors are inactive physical life, obesity, age, unhealthy diet, damage to pancreas, etc.

With this, it is safe to conclude that diabetes could be due to both genetic and environmental factors. If diabetes runs in your family, do not lose hope. With regular exercise and healthy diet, you could minimize your chances of developing the disease.

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