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An unpleasant legacy: when diabetes and other diseases manifest
The propensity for certain diseases is transmitted from parents to children. To avoid complications, it is better to take care of prevention in advance.
Endocrinologist-nutritionist of the Best Clinic network of medical centers
It is necessary to distinguish between diseases caused by a violation of the structure of the genome (for example, color blindness, hemophilia, or Down’s syndrome), and those to which there is a hereditary predisposition. The latter can appear at any age or not develop at all. This is influenced by many factors: physical inactivity, bad habits, dietary habits, excess weight, lack of vitamins, stress, ecology. If one of the diseases was discovered in the parents, it is worth consulting with a doctor and getting tested.
Since childhood
Bronchial asthma makes itself felt up to 7 years. The main symptom is an obsessive cough.
Myopia. It manifests itself from 6 to 12 years old, progresses to 21 years. The child often blinks, squints, gets tired quickly when reading, complains of burning in the eyes.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus… It begins at any age, but more often at 5-14 years old. It is impossible to prevent its development, but if the child is at risk, it is important to control the level of glucose in his blood.
Mature age
Type 2 diabetes mellitus… In the absence of preventive measures, it can develop after 40 years.
Atherosclerosis. The manifestation of the disease up to 35-40 years old is influenced by hereditary factors. After that, it all depends on the lifestyle.
Obesity. Almost half of those who are overweight have relatives with the same problem. In this case, you will need special treatment, which is also prescribed by a geneticist.
Alzheimer’s disease can be transmitted through a generation, and heredity plays a greater role here than external factors. If there is a suspicion, it is necessary to undergo a genetic test and consult a neurologist. There is no guarantee that the disease will be overcome, but there are chances that it will go away in a mild form or start later.
Hypertension… Most often transmitted through the female line. The risk is increased if relatives have had a heart attack or stroke before the age of 40.
If the pathology was found in only one parent, the likelihood of inheritance is much lower.
When to do a genetic test?
DNA testing is not cheap, but there are situations when it is warranted.
Repeated cases of diseases in the family: oncology, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. A positive result is not a diagnosis. Research will help you find the right preventive measures.
Pregnancy planning. Testing is recommended if at least one of the parents-to-be is over 35 years old or has serious chronic diseases.
Suspected congenital abnormalities… Preimplantation diagnosis is carried out with in vitro fertilization.