Is Type 2 Diabetes Genetic: The Truth about this Dangerous Condition

Diabetes is one of the diseases of the 21st century. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of diabetes has doubled in the past 30 years, from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% in 2014. Among them, Type 2 diabetes accounts for the highest proportion, about 90% of all diabetes cases.

So, what is Type 2 diabetes? Is Type 2 diabetes genetic? Let’s explore the truth about this disease in the following article.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot effectively use glucose in the blood. This leads to increased blood sugar levels and can cause dangerous complications for the body. Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but still lower than in Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly and may not have clear symptoms in the early stages. However, if not treated promptly and well controlled, it can lead to dangerous complications such as kidney failure, diabetic retinopathy, heart disease, and stroke.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

The main cause of Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance and a significant decrease in insulin production in the body. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. When the body cannot use insulin effectively, blood sugar levels rise, leading to dangerous complications.

In addition, the following factors may also increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes:

• Obesity: Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 25 are considered obese and have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
• Aging: Age is an important factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes. Older adults are at higher risk of developing this disease. This may be due to the aging body’s inability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively as in youth.
• Genetics: Although not the primary cause, genetics still play a significant role in determining the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. If someone in the family has this disease, you are also at higher risk.
• Lifestyle factors: Countries with high income and high obesity rates tend to have higher rates of Type 2 diabetes compared to countries with low income and low obesity rates.
• Other conditions: Diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, and liver disease can also increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Who is at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes does not discriminate by age or gender; however, some groups are at higher risk of developing this disease. Below are the groups at higher risk of Type 2 diabetes:

People with genetic predisposition

As mentioned above, genetics are crucial in determining the risk of Type 2 diabetes. If someone in the family has this disease, your risk is doubled. Specifically, if your parents or siblings have Type 2 diabetes, your risk of developing the disease doubles.

Obese individuals

People with a body mass index (BMI) over 25 are considered obese and have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Obesity is one of the main factors leading to insulin resistance and decreased insulin production in the body, leading to increased blood sugar and Type 2 diabetes.

People over 45 years old

Age is an important factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes. Older adults are at higher risk of developing this disease. This may be due to the aging body’s inability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively as in youth.

People with an unhealthy diet

An unhealthy diet with lots of sugary, fatty, and salty foods, and few vegetables, fruits can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, drinking sugary and carbonated beverages can also contribute to this disease.

People with sedentary lifestyles

Physical activity is essential for maintaining health and preventing diseases. Lack of physical activity or insufficient exercise can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. This is because the body cannot consume blood sugar effectively, leading to increased blood sugar.

Complications of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a dangerous condition and can cause serious complications for the body. Here are some common complications of Type 2 diabetes:

Cardiovascular complications

Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, coronary artery disease, and stroke. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and lead to blockages.

Neuropathy complications

One of the dangerous complications of Type 2 diabetes is nerve damage. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, and decreased sensation.

Visual complications

Type 2 diabetes can cause visual problems such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and lead to visual impairment.

Kidney complications

If not well controlled, Type 2 diabetes can cause kidney problems such as kidney failure and kidney damage. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and lead to impaired kidney function.

Is Type 2 Diabetes Genetic?

The answer to this question is still being researched and debated by scientists. However, there is some evidence to suggest that Type 2 diabetes may be inherited from one generation to another.

Genetic Studies

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that individuals with a parent who has Type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing the disease compared to those without a family history. This study followed over 100,000 family members and concluded that the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes doubles with a parent affected and triples with a sibling affected.

Genetic Factors Related to Type 2 Diabetes

Although there is no specific evidence that Type 2 diabetes is purely genetic, scientists have identified some genetic factors related to this disease. This may help us understand the causes of the disease and prevent it more effectively.

The TCF7L2 gene is believed to be related to Type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that individuals with this gene variant have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The KCNJ11 gene is also believed to be related to Type 2 diabetes. Individuals with this gene variant have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and may lead to increased blood sugar levels.

The PPARG gene is also believed to be related to Type 2 diabetes. Individuals with this gene variant have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and may lead to insulin resistance.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a preventable and manageable condition if we know how. Here are some effective ways to prevent Type 2 diabetes:

• Healthy eating: A healthy and balanced diet is essential for preventing Type 2 diabetes. Limiting sugary, fatty, and salty foods, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and maintaining diversity in the diet can help reduce the risk of the disease.

>>Read more: Type 2 diabetes diet

• Regular exercise: Physical activity is an important factor in preventing Type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise helps the body consume sugar and maintain stable blood sugar levels. Additionally, exercise can help lose weight and improve overall health.
• Weight control: Obesity is one of the main factors causing Type 2 diabetes. Therefore, controlling weight is essential in preventing this disease. Limiting sugary and fatty foods, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy diet can help lose weight effectively.

Conclusion

Type 2 diabetes is a dangerous condition that can cause many serious complications for the body. However, this disease can be prevented and well controlled

if we know how. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight control are effective ways to prevent Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, early treatment and regular monitoring are essential to help control the disease and prevent dangerous complications.