Question

5.   Edward has diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM type 2).He is struggling to maintain his blood sugar within normal limits. Edward also suffers from obesity and has been unable to control his weight with diet and exercise. He asks you if his problem is due to genetics. He points out that his mother also had type 2 diabetes and was obese. He also asks why his identical twin brother, Edgar, does not have diabetes even though they share genes and grew up in the same environment.
A.   What would you tell Edward about the genetics of DM type 2?
B.   What will you tell Edward about the relationship between DM type 2 and obesity? What will you tell Edward about the relationship between DM type 2 and obesity?
C.   What do you think about genetic testing for DM type 2 in young? Is this likely to be successful at identifying a genetic cause?
D.   Would genetic counseling benefit Edward and his family?

Answer 1

Ans. A If Edward is diagnosed with DM type 2 then it can be linked to the several Gene mutation like his mother also had type 2 Diabetes. Thus disease is caused by genetic and environmental factors,. Scientist have linked Gene mutation to higher diabetes risk , but it is not necessary that everyone who carried mutation will get diabetes like his brother doesn't have Diabetes.

Ans. B At all ages , the risk of type 2 Diabetes has with increase in body weight ,It is commonly found that there is prevalence of type 2 Diabetes in those who are affected by obesity . There is degree of insulin resistance In 'apple shape ' the majority of excess body weight carried around abdomen and in'pear shaped' itis around hips and thighs , therefore it is suggested to lose weight to cure diabetes.

Ans.C. Genetic testing provide information for diagnosing and preventing illness. At young age , It may help to prevent diabetes.It can also reveal person changes in genes that may cause illness or disease A positive result does not always mean that one will develop a disease. It is not necessary that if there is negative result , it can be reassured that there 100% guarantee that he will not have disease The accuracy of Genetic testing depends on the condition being tested for and whether or not the Gene mutation has previously identified in a family members,also all genetic testing may not be able to detect all Genetic defects.

At young Genetic testing makes it easier to predict the risk of Diabetes, Genetic mutation cause the protein to function improperly, testing can identify those mutation, helps in preventing disease , it can also help in understanding the cause of condition and what can be done to prevent it from developing.

Ans D BENEFITS OF GENETIC COUNSELING

1. It would help patient and family members to understand how to control the disease by changing their lifestyle like regular exercise, healthy diet etc.

2. Reduce family anxiety and provide psychological peace of mind.

3. It also them to understand that controlling Diabetes will also help in preventing development of other disease like heart disease or kidney disease etc.