How many diabetes risk factors do you have?
- Genetic variation
- Family history of type 2 diabetes
- Obesity and fat accumulation (around the abdomen)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Prediabetes – elevated blood sugar
- Gestational diabetes
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that disrupts the body’s normal glucose and insulin balance. Glucose is a simple sugar that circulates in the blood and is the primary source of energy for the body’s cells, while insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas and helps to keep glucose levels within a healthy range. Affected individuals have consistently high blood sugar, insulin resistance and a relative lack of insulin. Type 2 diabetes can contribute to life-threatening disorders, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and poor blood flow.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes
- Genetic variation
- Obesity, leading to insulin resistance
- Fat accumulation, primarily in the abdomen
- Lack of physical exercise
- Ethnicity (Africans and American Indians have a higher risk)
- Prediabetes (elevated blood sugar)
- Gestational diabetes
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
| Gene(s) Tested | Effect |
| ACC2 | Reduced response to insulin |
| ADCY5 | Inhibited secretion of insulin |
| FABP2, FTO | Increased uptake of saturated fats |
| ADIPOQ, CRY2, FADS1, G6PC2, GLUT2, MTNR1B, PROX1, TCF7L2 | Increased fasting glucose levels |
| GCKR | Reduced fasting glucose levels |
| GCK, HNF4A | Reduced pancreatic beta cell function |
| GLIS3, IRS1, SLC30A8 | Disrupted insulin production/signalling/storage |
| SHBG | Increased sex hormone binding globulin |
| MADD | Impaired proinsulin-to-insulin conversion |
| SOD2 | Increased reactive oxygen species |
| HIF1A | Resistance to hypoxia |
Four Easy Steps
Step 1: Order text kit online
Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a simple and painless mouth swab
Step 3: Mail samples to the lab in the provided return envelope
Step 4: Receive your results online
