Are you prone to diabetes if it runs in your family? Understand which type of diabetes is genetic.
Diagnosis of diabetes always seems to come as a shock to patients. Statistics show that more than half of all diabetics only find out when they go in for a medical check-up. As with any other ailment, the first question that comes to the newly-diagnosed diabetic’s mind is, “how did I get it?”

There are actually 7 possible answers to this, and you can read about them in our YouTube video, here.

Surprising as it may seem, genetics is not really a big factor. Sure, if you have a family history of diabetes, you do probably carry the gene for diabetes. But that is by no means a guarantee that you will get it. Think of the gene as operated by a switch. Flick it on, and you get it; don’t touch the switch and you’ll be ok. And the actions that flick the switch on are not genetics but diet and exercise—or lack thereof.

Wondering if diabetes is genetic or not?

This is especially true for Type 2 diabetes. The predisposition to the disease is surely inherited, but it is something in your environment that actually triggers it. For proof, we can look at identical twins. They have identical genes. Yet if one twin gets type 2 diabetes, the other twin's risk is three in four at most.

Beyond genetics

In addition to genetics, the race is also thought to be a risk factor in developing TYPE 2 DIABETES; Asians have been seen to be more at risk. But in the end, it is the diet you eat and your physical activity levels that will determine your risk of contracting TYPE 2 DIABETES, as well as managing or reversing it.

One reason why genetics is seen as a significant indicator could relate to the fact that diet—good or bad—ultimately show up in the entire family. Obesity in parents usually thus translates into obesity in children too.

The same goes for physical activity. Children of physically active parents are more likely to be active themselves, reducing the risk of contracting diabetes and vice-versa.

Fortunately, in children, as in adults, it is possible to prevent type 2 diabetes by implementing healthy food choices, focusing on getting adequate exercise, and inducing weight loss before it develops into obesity. 

Are you aware of genetic diabetes symptoms?

One needs to be aware and keep a watch on the below symptoms
 

• Frequent need to visit the washroom.
• Increase in appetite
• Fatigue
• Lack of clarity in vision
• Repeated infections
• Slow healing wounds
  

Genetic testing for Diabetes

If you wish to understand your body's behavior and get an idea of whether or not you may develop type 2 diabetes due to genetics or any other reasons, here are some tests.

• Check your family history of diabetes
• BMI
• Blood pressure
• Lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides)
• If you had gestational diabetes
  

Whether or not is type 2 diabetes genetic, can it be reversed?

The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be reversed but reversing the lifestyle choices that brought it on in the first place. That means cleaning up your diet, losing weight, and making exercise a lifestyle. FFD’s diabetes reversal programs have seen massive success, with more than 12,000 documented cases of complete reversals.

Many of our participants come to us heavily diabetic, often on insulin, and suffering from many other complications. Through our four-pronged approach of diet, exercise, stress management, and medical supervision, many of them are now living happy, healthy, and diabetes-free lives. For a first-hand experience of their stories, visit: www.freedomfromdiabetes.org/inspiration