If you have Type 1 diabetes, you may be wondering, "Will my child get it too?" Or if your mother or father has it, you may be wondering, "Is it possible for me to get it too?" These questions are really reasonable, and a dilemma that many people have. So let's talk about this in a little more detail and simply today.
Not only genes, but also the environment affects
When it comes to Type 1 diabetes, it's not just a genetic disease. Simply put, it's a combination of both the genes we inherit from our parents (nature) and the environment we grow up in (nurture) .
Think of it this way. Our genes are like setting the stage. That is, they create a certain predisposition, a certain space in our body for the development of the disease. But environmental factors also play a big role in determining whether or not the play will be performed on that stage. Many things can cause this, such as the area where you grow up, what you eat and drink, and certain viral infections you contract. But researchers are still figuring out exactly what these environmental factors are and to what extent they affect you. Therefore , even if there is a genetic predisposition, it cannot be said that the disease will definitely develop.
What genes affect this?
Many people think that there is a special gene called the 'diabetes gene', that when it is 'on', the disease develops, and when it is 'off', it does not. But the truth is more complex than that.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by a group of genes, not just one. Among them, the HLA gene plays a key role. These genes are responsible for producing proteins that our immune system needs. Now, look, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease . That is, the immune system that protects our body mistakenly starts attacking our own healthy cells. In diabetes, this attack occurs on the cells in the pancreas that produce the hormone insulin . Insulin is a hormone that is essential for converting the sugar we eat into energy. So, when these cells that produce insulin are destroyed, Type 1 diabetes occurs.
There are thousands of different types of these HLA genes in our gene pool. So depending on which types of genes you inherit from your parents, you may be more or less at risk of developing diabetes. Some genes increase the risk, while others provide protection by preventing the disease from developing.
Despite the genetic influence, there are cases where only one of two identical twins develops diabetes and the other remains healthy. This illustrates the influence of environmental factors.
What are the odds of developing diabetes?
These numbers can be a bit confusing, but it's important to have a rough idea. The table below shows the likelihood of a child developing Type 1 diabetes at different times.
| Family member and status | The likelihood of a child developing Type 1 diabetes |
|---|---|
| Father has Type 1 diabetes | 1 in 17 (1 in 17) |
| Mother has Type 1 diabetes (if the child was born before the age of 25) | 1 in 25 (1 in 25) |
| Mother has Type 1 diabetes (if the child was born at or after age 25) | 1 in 100 people (1 in 100) - Same as normal risk |
| Having both parents with Type 1 diabetes | It can reach as high as 1 in 4 people (1 in 4) |
| Having a brother or sister with Type 1 diabetes (without parents) | About 5% risk (similar to the risk of having the father) |
| Identical Twin Having the Disease | Risk as high as 50% (1 in 2) |
| A parent who has Type 2 Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome in addition to Type 1 diabetes | 50% risk (1 in 2) |
Don't be alarmed by these statistics. The most important thing to remember is that the majority of people with Type 1 diabetes have no family history of the disease. This means that in many cases, the disease can appear suddenly, without any family history.
So what should I do?
You can't change your genes. That's true. But you can be aware of this.
- Awareness: If someone in your family has Type 1 diabetes, it is important to be aware of it.
- Be aware of symptoms: Especially in children, be aware of symptoms such as excessive thirst , frequent urination, sudden weight loss, and extreme fatigue.
- Seek medical advice: If you have any doubts, don't panic, see your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important.
Ultimately, genes are only part of the story. Therefore, it is wise to avoid being unnecessarily fearful about family history, be informed, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and seek medical advice if necessary.
Take-Home Message
- The development of Type 1 diabetes is not only influenced by genes, but also by the environment in which we live.
- There is no single specific 'diabetes gene'. It is a combination of several genes that are involved, especially the (HLA) genes.
- Even if someone in your family has Type 1 diabetes, it doesn't mean you or your child will definitely develop it. The risk is relatively low.
- Most people with type 1 diabetes have no other family members with the disease, so it can run in families.
- If you have a family history or are suspicious of any symptoms, it's best to talk to your doctor without panicking.
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