Is Diabetes Hereditary

10 November, 2009 No Comment

Diabetes is a disease in which our pancreatic glands stop or reduce secretion of insulin. Insulin is the hormone, which controls the level of sugar in our blood. Due to less or none secretion of insulin the sugar level in blood increases. This makes the patient more prone to other diseases.

Diabetes is of two types, the first is Type A or Type 1 diabetes and the other one is Type B or Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is autoimmune disease that affects very less patients nearly 0.3% on average.

It occurs due to destruction of beta cells, which takes place because antibodies in our system mistakenly attack on our own body cells and tissues. This can result due to environmental factors, poor diet or genetics.

Abnormal secretion of antagonist hormones to insulin can also cause diabetes. The Type 2 Diabetes is caused due to lack of ability of the body to use insulin properly and effectively.

It mostly occurs in middle-aged people. People who had gestational diabetes, overweight, aged and have family history of diabetes tend to get diabetes more easily.

The most common causes of Diabetes are age, poor diet or malnutrition, obesity and family history. Sedentary lifestyle, stress, hypertension and lipoproteins are also responsible for Diabetes. Multiple pregnancy and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can also increase the risk of Diabetes. Some drugs and infections can also cause Diabetes.

The Type 1 diabetes is caused due abnormal behavior of antibodies in our body whereas the Type 2 diabetes is caused due to various factors. Family diabetic history is one of the most prominent causes of Diabetes. People having diabetes in there family are at more risk of developing Diabetes.

There is some indication that gestational diabetes may be hereditary. This is not a proven fact. But many studies have indicated that pregnant women may be more likely to develop gestational diabetes if there is a history of it on the maternal side of the family.

Diabetes is not always caused due to inheritance but in many cases it is caused due to diabetic family history. It can be definitely stated that the family history of diabetes increases the risk of being diabetic. Thus it can be said that Diabetes is hereditary in many cases. Heredity is one of the most important risk factor.