1. The Complex Relationship Between Diabetes and Genetics
Many people think of Type 1 diabetes as ‘juvenile diabetes’ and assume it has a very strong genetic influence because it is often diagnosed in childhood. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is often considered an ‘adult-onset disease,’ with a greater influence from lifestyle. However, the actual genetic predisposition is closer to the opposite.
2. Comparison of Genetic Predisposition
– Type 1 Diabetes: If one parent has Type 1 diabetes, the probability of their child inheriting it is relatively low, around 3-5%. It is believed that Type 1 diabetes is ‘triggered’ when a person with certain genes is exposed to an environmental factor, such as a viral infection, leading to an autoimmune reaction. The genes are just one of several conditions.
– Type 2 Diabetes: If one parent has Type 2 diabetes, the child’s risk of developing it is about 15-30%. If both parents have it, the probability rises to 50-60%. In the case of identical twins, if one has Type 2 diabetes, the probability of the other developing it is as high as 70-90%, showing a very strong genetic tendency.
3. Conclusion
This means that Type 2 diabetes is much more strongly influenced by a ‘genetically susceptible constitution’ than Type 1. Type 2 diabetes develops when environmental factors like obesity or poor diet are added to this strong genetic predisposition.
Summary: Contrary to common belief, Type 2 diabetes is a disease with a much stronger influence from family history, meaning it has a more pronounced genetic tendency than Type 1 diabetes.
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