Is there really a test that can determine if someone carries the gene for Type 1 Diabetes? I this is true, what chromosome is it in?
When I was first diagnosed with type 1, my doctor told me that there is a test to check to see if my sister also has the gene, but he didn’t reccomend getting it since many people have the gene but don’t have type 1.
Sorry, but I couldn’t tell you what chromosome it’s on.
Additionally,
what are the MAJOR differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes can emerge at any age. However, Diabetes that emerges at a young age is usually Type 1, as opposed to Type 2 which generally occurs after the age of 30.
The cause of Diabetes is not yet known, but studies have shown certain genes to be associated with an increased risk for Diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by a loss of 90% or more of the insulin (a hormone necessary for the uptake of glucose from blood) producing cells of the pancreas so that very little, if any, insulin is present in the body. In Type 2 Diabetes, on the other hand, insulin is present often in normal or even greater than normal levels. The issue for those with Type 2 Diabetes is insulin resistance. This resistance means that the insulin present is not very effective, thus more of it is needed, and the body is unable to meet that increased demand for the hormone (insulin).
