Diabetes Monitor - What Is The Percentage Of Children Of Diabetic Parents Who Will Develop Diabetes?

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Publication Date: 11/11/2004

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

I have heard endocrinologists say that approximately 50% of children who have parents with diabetes will become afflicted with type 1 diabetes at some point in their lifetime. I would like to know the official percentage. I am wondering if that is close.

Answer

According to Medical Management of Type 1 Diabetes by Bruce Bode, 6% of children with a father who has diabetes and 3% of children with a mother who has diabetes will develop type 1 diabetes during their lifetime. Other rates are: identical twins — 25-50%; siblings of someone with type 1 — 6%; and in general, offspring — 5%. This is in contrast to a general population rate of 0.3-0.4%.

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