Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, refers to a group of conditions that impact the way that sugar is processed in the body. There are two chronic types of diabetes. These are called type 1 and type 2 and both have genetic factors.
Type 1 Diabetes
In order for glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be used to create energy, the beta cells of the pancreas must create a hormone called insulin. The insulin is then used to bind to insulin receptors on cells throughout the body. The interactions between insulin and its receptors unlock channels that glucose can move through in order to enter the cell.
Type 1 Diabetes is caused by the destruction of the pancreatic beta cells by an individual’s immune system. The chances of this destruction are increased by versions of many different genes. However, versions of the genes HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DRB1, as well as similar genes account for about 40% of the genetic risk for type 1 diabetes. The HLA genes affect the immune system’s ability to tell the difference between the body’s own proteins and foreign ones. This means that variants of these genes may cause the immune system to inadvertently attack some cells that are necessary for bodily functions, such as pancreatic cells.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be caused by poor development and function of pancreatic beta cells, poor release and processing of insulin, or cells’ lack of sensitivity to insulin. Though these issues can be the result of lifestyle factors, there are also over 150 variations in DNA that may also cause them. Some of the variations that can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes have impacts on the risk of the condition for reasons that are still unknown to researchers. This makes it fairly difficult to discuss their influence on the disease.
