Heredity Plays a Role in Developing Diabetes- Women
by Jennifer Bunn, RNA new study has shown a definite link between women who have family members with type 2 diabetes and the risk of developing the disease themselves. Previous studies have also supported this hypothesis, but there is no clear genetic link identified.
In a study which spanned 20 years, 73, 227 women from the U.S. were followed to determine their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Risk factors were taken into consideration, such as weight, height, BMI (body mass index) and lifestyle habits. After controlling for these variables, it was discovered that having a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with the disease more than doubled the women’s’ risk of developing the disease themselves. Women who had family members with the condition were more prone to being overweight, and this factor accounts for approximately 20% of the heredity factor. Eating red meat and consuming alcoholic beverages and sweetened drinks were also considered to be factors in common. In all, 5,101 of the women developed type 2 diabetes during the course of the study.
Researchers came to the conclusion that being overweight and sharing these dietary habits partially explains the heredity factor in type 2 diabetes. The study was reported in the January issue ofDiabetes Care.
