Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes?
Studies have revealed that genetics do play a role in diabetes although exactly how this happens is still unknown. What we do know today is that genetics have a far stronger influence in type 2 diabetes than in type 1 diabetes.
\"How Do You Get Diabetes\"
Researchers are quick to point out nevertheless that it is susceptibility to the disease and not the disease itself that you can inherit from your parents, grandparents, relatives and ancestors.
Factors Affecting Your Chances of Inheriting Diabetes
If you are especially concerned about your chances of suffering from diabetes, consider screening yourself as well as your family history, preferably with the help of your doctor, for the following factors.
Gender. If one of your parents has diabetes, which one is it - your mother or father? Research reveals that mothers diagnosed of having type 1 diabetes results in a lower risk of having the same disease compared to when it's your father who has been diagnosed. Also, the younger you are, the more chances you'll get the same disease.
Diet. Love for certain foods can be inherited. If your parents are inordinately fond of sweets then this could naturally cause an increase of glucose levels in their bodies and consequently cause them to develop diabetes. The same thing can definitely happen to you if you're guilty of the same diet preferences as well.
Body Reactions. There are certain bodies whose glucose levels do not rise as much as expected even with high consumption of sweet foods. If you are lucky enough to have parents with such characteristics, the probability that you'll get diabetes is as unlikely as it is for them.
What to Do If You Inherit Diabetes
In the event that you find out you do have diabetes, trying to know how it came to be would be moot point. What's important is looking forward and deciding what to do about your condition.
Monitoring. Having diabetes means a lifetime of looking after yourself by the hour if not by the minute. You need to be constantly aware of your blood sugar levels as well as your blood pressure. Invest in diabetes testing devices so that you can monitor your condition at home or wherever you are.
Besides self-monitoring, you also need to submit yourself to regular checkups with your doctor. This will include blood tests as well as eye exams and general checkups. Keep all your appointments with your doctor!
Medication. Once your doctor prescribes medication for you, be responsible enough to take them regularly and consistently. Diabetes is the type of disease that needs continuous treatment. One failed attempt can easily ruin the foundation you've carefully built over time.
Lifestyle Changes. You need to cut down on your alcohol and nicotine intake. Drinking can drastically affect your blood sugar levels while smoking only aggravates the possible complications caused by your disease. You also need to reduce consumption of foods rich in fats, oils, and sugar while increasing consumption of healthy greens like fruits and vegetables.
Identification. Whether you like it or not, you are a diabetic now and you need to wear a bracelet or any other identification item to enlighten the appropriate people about your situation. When you're unfortunate enough to get involved in an accident, the medical professional handling you could mis-diagnose your condition and administer something that might produce unfavorable results for your diabetes.
Support. Don't be too proud not to accept help from your loved ones. You do need their help since having diabetes is never easy. Consider joining support groups for diabetics as well. You'll find yourself more easily comforted if the person doing the comforting is experiencing the same problems you have.
Now that you are aware how diabetes is inherited and what steps you need to take if you do inherit it, you should be better prepared to handle your condition. Contrary to popular belief, life with diabetes need not be tortuous. The right medication and treatment will help you continue to lead a happy, healthy life.
How is Diabetes Inherited?
Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Learn-About-Diabetes.com. She provides more information on topics such as the answers to the questions how is diabetes inherited [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/how-is-diabetes-inherited.html] and how do you get diabetes [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/how-do-you-get-diabetes.html] as well as health insurance for diabetics [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/health-insurance-for-diabetics.html] which you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.