Diabetes and Genetics

So you have diabetes and you are worried that your kids will get also diabetes. Relax! According to modern research, diabetes is not hereditary and thus it is not transferred by genetics. But remember that having diabetes in the family increases the risk of your kids getting this disease. Confused… Read on.

The first thing that one has to remember is that there are two types of diabetes i.e. Type I diabetes and Type II diabetes. Type I diabetes is developed at an early age and is not common, while Type II diabetes is very common and is developed later in life.

Type II diabetes is usually triggered by environmental factors or unhealthy lifestyle, while Type I diabetes is caused by the body’s own inability to produce insulin.

Diabetes and Genetics

Research shows that diabetes in reality is caused by both environmental and genetic factors. And although you cannot control the genetic factors, you can most certainly control the environmental ones.

If someone has a family history of diabetes, be it mother, father, brother or sister, it means that your risk for developing this disease goes up. The closer the relative, the higher is the risk for developing diabetes. However, lifestyle factors are equally important and can further speed up or decrease the risks for genetic diabetes.

For example if you are obese or overweight, and you lead a sedentary inactive life, coupled together with the fact that there is a history of diabetes in your family, the chances for you getting this disease go up considerably. However, by controlling your lifestyle and dietary habits, you can keep diabetes at bay, even though you have it in your genes.

Some ways to Avoid Genetic Diabetes

• If you are obese and know that you have a family history of diabetes, try to lose weight.
• Exercise and eat sensibly.
• Avoid sugary and sweet foods and eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid refined sugar and opt for more natural sugars in your diet such as honey or fresh fruit juices.
• Stay away from fried foods and preservatives.
• Eat more complex carbohydrates and natural fibers.
• Instead of white bread, go for brown bread.
• Eat whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta and use brown flour instead of the white one.

Exercise is very important for a diabetic or those who have diabetes in their genes. Exercise not only keeps the body fit but also keeps your mind healthy. An inactive lifestyle precipitates illness and depression. Make sure you get plenty of activity during the day, even if you are at work. Walking even just 30 minutes a day has numerous health benefits according to the latest scientific research.

Instead of using the elevator, use the stairs. Walk home from your bus stop instead of hitching a ride. When you go out shopping try to walk so can you burn calories and window shop at the same time! By exercising regularly, one can keep diabetes away and lead a much healthier life.

These are all small but simple changes to make, and let you eat all your favorite foods on the way to losing weight. It may take a long time for you to follow this diet regime if you have genetic diabetes to remain on the safe side. With progressing age, the risk for diabetes can also increase.

Remember, diabetes can be in your genes but this does not mean you have to get it or your kids have to suffer from it. There are various ways and means to avoid genetic diabetes. Do not let it control your life, you can control it! Eat well, exercise and stay fit… keep diabetes away!