Genetics and Type 1 Diabetes

Some people inherit their mother's freckles or father's bald spot. If you have type 1 diabetes, there's a good chance one of your parents passed along to you an abnormal gene or cluster of genes that puts you at greater-than-average risk for developing the condition. (For those of you who were busy dozing or passing notes during high school biology class, everyone inherits a blend of genes from both parents that not only determines what you look like but also greaty influences your health.)

Being born with these genes doesn't guarantee that you will develop type 1 diabetes, however. These inherited genes only make you susceptible to developing diabetes. Something elsehas to trigger changes in your body to create your blood sugar problem. But what?

While your family history makes you susceptible to type 1 diabetes, it is not the only factor.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
While your family history makes you susceptible to
 type 1 diabetes, it is not the only factor.

Scientists aren't sure, but they have a short list of suspects. According to one theory, a virus or some environmental toxin worms its way into the body and confuses the immune system because it resembles proteins found on beta cells. The immune system tends to shoot first and ask questions later, so it destroys anything that looks like it could be a threat--including insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes occurs more often in people who have had a viral illness, as these can trigger the onset of type 1 diabetes in a susceptible individual.

Other scientists have speculated that switching a baby from breast milk to cow's milk too early is the culprit. However, the dairy-diabetes connection remains controversial. In fact, in 2003 a pair of studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association found no connection between consuming cow's milk and diabetes. Some causes are more clear-cut. For example, certain prescription medications can trigger type 1 diabetes.

Whatever the cause, type 1 diabetes is a serious condition. Fortunately, it can be managed. Make sure you and your doctor monitor your diabetes carefully to avoid the risk of the complications like the ones discussed in this article.

For even more valuable information on Type 1 diabetes, try the following links:
  • To learn more about diabetes in general, including diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatment, visit our main Diabetes page
  • Our main Type 1 Diabetes page gives a thorough overview of this form of diabetes, commonly called "juvenile diabetes."
  • Learn the diverse signs of type 1 diabetes, from increased thirst and hunger to sudden weight loss, in Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes.
  • For a variety of treatment options, read Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Timothy Gower is a freelance writer and the author of several books. His work has appeared in many magazines and newspapers, including Prevention, Health, Reader's Digest, Better Homes and Gardens, Men's Health, Esquire, Fortune, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times.

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS

Dana Armstrong, R.D., C.D.E., received her degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of California, Davis, and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. She has developed educational programs that have benefited more than 5,000 patients with diabetes. She specializes in and speaks nationally on approaches to disease treatment, specifically diabetes.

Allen Bennett King, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E., C.D.E. is the author of more than 50 papers in medical science and speaks nationally on new advances in diabetes. He is an associate clinical professor at the University of California Natividad Medical Center and cofounder and medical director of the Diabetes CareCenter in Salinas, California.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.