Chiropractic

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Hereditary?

Share

For many families, type 2 diabetes can develop in several members of the household. For some people, diabetes has been diagnosed throughout previous generations of family members. However, does this mean, you are bound to inherit the condition?

Over a period of 25 years, according to statistics, the number of people in the world who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has increased from 35 million to 240 million. Moreover, these statistics don’t take into account the number of individuals with undiagnosed diabetes. Many families have the relevant concern regarding whether they or future generations could genetically develop type 2 diabetes. While the magnitude of cases is quite significant, the reality is that the widespread issue of diabetes couldn’t have simply occurred through genetic or inherited means in such a short time span.

If genetic alteration is not the reason behind the dramatic increase in type 2 diabetes cases, then why has the condition been on the rise over the past few decades? As a matter of fact, diabetes is a condition that is almost entirely caused by environmental and lifestyle factors. Our genetic code itself may not be altered through these circumstances but our environment as well as stress and improper nutrition and fitness habits can influence the way those genes are expressed. Predisposed genes can certainly contribute to the development of diabetes, however, if you are not exposed to these environmental and lifestyle triggers, the diabetes gene may never fully develop.

The factors that can have the greatest influence on the development of type 2 diabetes among the general population include: diet, exercise, stress management, exposure to environmental and/or food-based toxins and habits which promote weight gain and obesity.

Ultimately, an individual’s exposure to these environmental and lifestyle factors, which subsequently affects their genetic expression, is the greatest contributor to the development of diabetes among families than their actual genome, or set of genes. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, approximately 90 percent of diseases may be caused due to external factors, not through genetic or inherited means.

External environmental sources which can contribute to type 2 diabetes include: 

  • Air
  • Water
  • Diet
  • Drugs / medications
  • Pollutants
  • Heavy metals
  • Radiation
  • Physical or psychological stressors
  • Internal processes include:
  • Inflammation
  • Free radical production
  • Oxidative stress (body’s ability to detoxify chemicals)
  • Allergens
  • Infections
  • Dysbiosis (imbalance of bad to good biotic gut flora)

It’s essential to understand that genetic code cannot change. What can change are which parts of this code are expressed. Research studies have discovered that our environment, as well as our diet, microbes, allergens, toxins, stresses and social connections, even our thoughts and beliefs can trigger which genes are expressed. A person’s genetic code can be tagged by an environmental or lifestyle factor, then, those can alter how their genes are expressed and passed down through future generations.

For example, if your grandmother consumed an excess amount of sugar, smoked, or was exposed to mercury from eating too much sushi, she may have triggered the genetic expression that could lead to obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes, passing it down from generation to generation. However, this does not necessarily mean that you will develop the same conditions she did. The predisposed genes could contribute to obesity and diabetes but this does not mean you are bound to inherit the condition. If you do not expose yourself to the same environmental and lifestyle factors as your grandmother, in this example, you may never develop type 2 diabetes.

In the end, diabetes shouldn’t be strictly considered to be a genetic or inherited disorder. While it’s true that the hereditary genes from your parents and/or grandparents increase your risk of developing the condition, this doesn’t mean you will develop type 2 diabetes. The condition is a direct outcome of environmental and lifestyle factors. Fortunately, you can change this outcome.

Can Type 2 Diabetes be Reversed?

Most people believe that diabetes is irreversible and that once you have it, you will gradually begin to experience a decline in function, including hear disease, kidney failure, blindness, amputation, strokes and dementia. Nonetheless, research studies and scientific evidence has demonstrated that type 2 diabetes is reversible, especially if it is treated aggressively in its early stages through changes in environmental exposure and lifestyle habits, including nutrition and fitness interventions.

Even more advanced stages of diabetes can be reversed with very intense lifestyle changes, supplements and medications. A research study showed that individuals with progressive type 2 diabetes can indeed recover from the condition, even if their pancreas have becomed damaged. The research study also demonstrated that diabetes can be reversed in just one week through drastic changes in diet, particularly a plant-based diet, low in glycemic and calories.

When patients modified their lifestyles, their blood sugar levels plummeted, triglyceride levels fell and the pancreas recovered. After a single week, they were taken off their medication, proving that diabetes is not a progressive, incurable condition. The consumption of a balanced nutrition became the source of their overall health and wellness. While it may take a lot of commitment to reverse type 2 diabetes, you can certainly heal your own body with the right conditions.

7 Strategies to Control Diabetes

Even if you’ve recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or you’ve lived with the condition for years, diabetes is reversible. For further support, you can read “the Blood Sugar Solution” to learn essential strategies and incorporate their comprehensive dietary, nutrient and lifestyle plan to help you reverse your diabetes.

In the mean time, there are several other strategies you can implement right now to prevent or reverse type 2 diabetes.

Whether diabetes is a condition found in several members of your family, it has been diagnosed throughout several generations in your family or you have this disorder yourself, the ability to normalize blood sugar levels and lower insulin can be under your control, beginning with the following seven strategies.

  • Ask your doctor for the proper tests. Most doctors focus on fasting blood sugar. This is actually a poor indicator of diabetes. The best test to help properly diagnose the condition is an insulin response test where insulin levels are measured first in a fasting state and then again at one and two hour intervals after consuming a sugary drink. Request this test from your doctor.
  • Avoid sugar. The basics of nutrition are very simple. Considerably decrease or eliminate refined sugars and processed carbohydrates from your diet. Include whole, real foods, such as lean protein (chicken or fish), veggies, nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains.
  • Supplement intelligently. Supplements are an essential part of treating diabetes. A good multivitamin, vitamin D, fish oil, and special blood sugar balancing nutrients, such as alpha lipoic acid, chromium picolinate, biotin, cinnamon, green tea catechins, and glucomannan, should also be included.
  • Relax. Stress is a major unrecognized contributor to insulin resistance and blood sugar imbalances. Relax every day with deep breathing, visualization, yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques.
  • Be more active. Aside from changing your diet, exercise and physical activity is probably the best form of treatment for obesity and diabetes. Walk a minimum of 30 minutes every day to experience the wonderful benefits of exercise. For some, 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise, 4 to 6 times a week may be necessary.
  • Address your environment. Environmental toxins have also been proven to contribute to obesity and the development of diabetes. Filter your water, look for green cleaning products and avoid plastics whenever you can.
  • Get enough sleep. Studies show even one partial night of poor sleep can contribute to insulin resistance as well as other complications which could lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Many people who have family members with type 2 diabetes are concerned whether they themselves or future generations could be at risk of inheriting the condition. While scientific studies and evidence have shown that predisposed genes could influence the development of diabetes, more research studies have demonstrated that environmental and lifestyle factors are the true source of type 2 diabetes. However, changing these factors could prevent and even reverse diabetes.

For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topics: Neck Pain and Auto Injury

Neck pain is characterized as the most prevalent symptom after being involved in an automobile accident. During an auto collision, the body is exposed to a sheer amount of force due to the high speed impact, causing the head and neck to jolt abruptly back-and-forth as the rest of the body remains in place. This often results in the damage or injury of the cervical spine and its surrounding tissues, leading to neck pain and other common symptoms associated with whiplash-related disorders.

.video-container{position: relative; padding-bottom: 63%; padding-top: 35px; height: 0; overflow: hidden;}.video-container iframe{position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none; max-width:100%;}

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7®? Fitness Center

 

 

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Hereditary?" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Recent Posts

Exploring Support Therapies for Endometriosis: A Holistic Approach

For individuals living with cyclical or chronic endometriosis symptoms, can incorporating support therapies help in… Read More

March 18, 2024

Herniated Disc Treatment: Effects and Benefits of Traction Therapy

Can individuals with herniated discs find the relief they are looking for from traction therapy… Read More

March 18, 2024

Safe Egg Alternatives for Allergy Sufferers

Can using egg substitutes or replacements be safe for individuals with an egg allergy? Substitutes… Read More

March 15, 2024

Restoring Spinal Disc Height: How Decompression Therapy Can Help

Can individuals with spinal pain in their necks and back utilize decompression therapy to restore… Read More

March 15, 2024

The Power of Cosmetic Acupuncture for Anti-Aging

For individuals wanting to improve or maintain skin health, can incorporating acupuncture help improve skin… Read More

March 14, 2024

Managing Sciatica Without Surgery: Effective Treatment Options

Can non-surgical treatments like acupuncture and spinal decompression provide relief to individuals dealing with sciatica?… Read More

March 14, 2024