SNP Shot: Genomic Insights

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where blood glucose, or blood sugar, is abnormally elevated. In this type of diabetes, the body's ability to utilize and produce insulin effectively is impaired. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose. It facilitates the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it's utilized for energy. After a meal, when blood glucose rises, insulin is released to move the excess glucose into cells, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.

Typically, individuals who develop type 2 diabetes initially experience insulin resistance, meaning their cells don't respond to insulin as efficiently as they should. This resistance necessitates the production of more insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. The pancreas's beta cells respond by producing increased amounts of insulin. However, over time, these beta cells may become less responsive to fluctuations in blood glucose, resulting in an insulin deficiency and a reduced ability to effectively lower blood glucose. While some insulin resistance is common with age, lack of physical activity and excess weight exacerbate the condition, significantly raising the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes can develop at any point in life, although it is more frequently diagnosed during middle age or later. The symptoms of this disease progress gradually over several years. These symptoms include frequent urination (polyuria), intense thirst (polydipsia), exhaustion, impaired vision, numbness or tingling in the extremities (diabetic neuropathy), slow-healing wounds, and unexplained weight loss. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels due to type 2 diabetes can lead to chronic health issues such as cardiovascular disease and stroke, nerve damage, and damage to the kidneys, eyes, and other organs.

Inheritance:

The inheritance pattern of type 2 diabetes is complex and not straightforward. However, many individuals with the condition have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who also has the disease. The likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes is higher with an increased number of affected family members. This elevated risk is likely attributable both to shared genetic predispositions and to shared lifestyle factors within a family, such as dietary habits and exercise patterns.