In an article published on April 2, 2012, in MedicineNet, medical author Divya Jacob has explained from whom you inherit diabetes.
Diabetes is one of the common hereditary diseases, meaning a child is at high risk of developing the metabolic condition compared to the general population at the given age.
MedicineNet says, “Diabetes can be inherited from either mother or father.”
The child’s risk of developing diabetes is 1 in 17 if the father has type 1 diabetes.
The risk is 1 in 25 in children who are born to type 1 diabetic mother when she is aged under 25. The risk is 1 in 100 in children who are born to type 1 diabetic mother who is above 25 years of age.
The kid’s risk of developing type 1 diabetes is 1 in 2 if the mother and father develop diabetes before the age of 11 years.
Also, the child’s risk of developing type 1 diabetes is 1 in 2 if the mother or father has diabetes along with other health issues such as thyroid disease, adrenal gland disorder, and immune system disorder.
If there is a strong familial history of diabetes, type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented in children or youth by following a healthy lifestyle, according to MedicineNet.
Type 2 diabetes, also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), can result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
If the mother has type 2 diabetes, the child’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes is higher. The risk is 30% if the father has type 2 diabetes, while it is slightly higher if the mother has the metabolic condition. The risk is about 70% if both the parents have type 2 diabetes.
Environmental factors that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, smoking, high blood pressure, and history of gestational diabetes.
Unfortunately, the child’s risk of developing diabetes through genetic predisposition is inevitable. However, diabetes caused by environmental or lifestyle factors can be prevented.
All you need to do is lead a healthy lifestyle that included eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding fatty or junk foods, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol intake. For more information on diabetes, visit MedicineNet, a dedicated medical information provider.
