Diabetes Monitor - Information, education, and support for people with diabetes

Have Heard That Type 1 Diabetes Skips A Generation

Publication Date: 4/21/2006

Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.

 


Question

My mother has had type 1 diabetes since she was 18 months old, and I have heard that type 1 diabetes skips a generation. Do my children have a higher change of having diabetes?

Answer

Type 1 diabetes does not "skip" generations. The risk of your children developing type 1 diabetes is increased only if first-degree relatives (mother/father/siblings) have the disease. Type 1 diabetes is genetically influenced, but also immunologically mediated.

slb     

 

Return to DQ&A main page


Advertisement