Hey! We all know that diabetes is rapidly becoming one of the biggest health threats worldwide, especially in India, where cases are rising at an alarming rate. What’s even more concerning is that many people don’t realise they have diabetes until serious complications arise. While diet and lifestyle choices are important, your genes—your DNA—also play a major role in your risk of developing the disease.
Now imagine if you could uncover that risk long before diabetes affects your life. Genetic testing for diabetes offers a way to dive into your DNA and discover how your body manages insulin, and blood sugar, and responds to everyday lifestyle choices. With this powerful insight, you can prevent or better manage diabetes before it harms your health. Let’s dive into how genetic testing works and how it can empower you to take control of your future health!
What is Genetic Testing for Diabetes?
Genetic testing involves analysing your DNA, which is your body's blueprint, to identify specific gene mutations or variations that may increase your risk of developing diabetes. While lifestyle factors such as an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and obesity are often considered primary chances of getting diabetes, your genetic makeup can determine how likely you are to develop the disease.
Genetic testing for diabetes focuses on identifying the genes responsible for different types of diabetes and whether you harbour these genes and are at an increased risk of developing Diabetes, especially if there is family history. This allows you to take proactive steps to prevent or manage diabetes more effectively.
Based on the Lab where you are getting the test done, you can also get more information on your sensitivity to various food groups and exercise. You will be given information on how you respond to carbs, fats and whether exercise plays a crucial role in helping you lose weight or not.
The Benefits of Genetic Testing for Diabetes
Genetic testing has transformed the way we understand and manage diabetes. Whether you are at risk, have a family history of diabetes, or have already been diagnosed, the benefits of genetic testing go beyond simple diagnosis; they empower you to take control of your health in a personalised and proactive way. Here are the key benefits:
1. Early Detection of Diabetes Risk Before Symptoms Appear
One of the most powerful benefits of genetic testing is that it can identify your risk of developing diabetes long before any symptoms show up. Through the analysis of your DNA, specific gene variants linked to Type 1, Type 2, or prediabetes can be detected, allowing for proactive steps to be taken.
How It Helps?
If your genetic test reveals a high risk for diabetes, you can begin taking steps like adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, and monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly. These measures can significantly reduce the chances of developing diabetes.
For those with a genetic predisposition, early action can delay the onset of diabetes, potentially for years, reducing the long-term impact on your health.
2. Personalised Treatment Tailored to Your Genes
Not all diabetes treatments work the same for everyone; this is where genetic testing makes a significant difference. By understanding your unique genetic makeup, doctors can create a personalised treatment plan that works best for you.
For Instance:
Some people with Type 2 diabetes may not respond well to common medications like metformin due to genetic differences. Genetic testing can help identify which medications you’re more likely to respond to, so doctors can tailor your treatment plan accordingly.
Those with monogenic diabetes, a rare form caused by a single gene mutation, often don’t require insulin. Genetic testing can distinguish between monogenic and Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, ensuring you receive the right treatment.
How It Helps?
You avoid the frustrating trial-and-error approach to medications and instead receive a treatment plan that is customised to your body. This means faster results, fewer side effects, and better overall management of diabetes.
3. Accurate Diagnosis of Diabetes Type
Diabetes isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. People may experience similar symptoms, but they could have different types of diabetes, such as Type 1, Type 2, or monogenic diabetes, a rare form caused by a single gene mutation. Genetic testing helps ensure an accurate diagnosis, which is necessary for effective treatment.
How It Helps?
Precise Treatment: Knowing whether you have Type 1, Type 2, or monogenic diabetes ensures you receive the correct treatment. For instance, monogenic diabetes can often be treated with oral medications instead of insulin, which is commonly used for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Better Disease Management: An accurate diagnosis leads to better disease management, improving outcomes and reducing complications associated with improper treatment.
4. Preventing Prediabetes from Progressing into Diabetes
Prediabetes is a warning sign that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. Without intervention, it often progresses into full-blown diabetes. Genetic testing can identify if you are genetically predisposed to developing prediabetes and, more importantly, help you take steps to prevent it from worsening.
How This Helps?
Early Lifestyle Changes: If you’re at risk for prediabetes, genetic testing provides a clear roadmap for making lifestyle changes that can reverse the condition or prevent it from progressing. By adopting healthier eating habits, staying active, and monitoring your glucose levels, you can significantly lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Avoiding Complications: By catching prediabetes early, you can prevent complications like nerve damage, cardiovascular issues, and kidney problems that often accompany Type 2 diabetes.
5. Protecting Your Family from Future Diabetes Risk
If diabetes runs in your family, genetic testing can help you assess the risks for future generations. Being aware of your hereditary susceptibility to diabetes can help you manage your family's health and provide you with information about your children's risk.
How It Helps?
Early Testing for Children: If your children are at risk, you can test them early and monitor their blood sugar more closely, ensuring that any signs of diabetes are caught before it progresses.
Encouraging Healthy Habits: By understanding the genetic risk, you can implement healthy lifestyle changes within your family from an early age, helping to protect your children from developing diabetes in the future.
6. Personalized Diet & Carb Management Based on Your DNA
Your body’s ability to process different types of carbohydrates is influenced by your genetic makeup, which means certain carbs can cause blood glucose spikes for some people while having little impact on others. By analysing your DNA, genetic testing can pinpoint which specific carbs—such as simple sugars, starches, or fibre—your body struggles to metabolise efficiently.
How It Helps?
With this insight, you can create a personalised carb management plan that minimises blood sugar spikes by avoiding or limiting specific types of carbs that trigger these reactions. This allows you to better regulate your blood sugar, avoid energy crashes, and reduce the risk of developing conditions like Type 2 diabetes, all while enjoying a diet tailored to your genetic profile.
For those looking to understand their carb sensitivities and diabetes risk in greater depth, Moderate offers India’s most advanced genetic testing for diabetes and prediabetes risk assessment. With Genetic testing, you can get a detailed report on how your body handles different types of carbs and gain personalised dietary recommendations to manage your blood sugar levels effectively. With the help of Moderate's Diabetic Genetic Kit, you can take control of your diet and health based on your DNA, ensuring you're consuming the foods that are truly right for you.
Steps for Completing Your Diabetic Genetic Test
Step 01: Order Your Test
Begin by ordering your genetic test from the Let’s Moderate website or click here.
Step 02: Receive the Kit at Your Home
Once your order is placed, you’ll receive the testing kit at your home address. This usually arrives within a few days, and the kit includes Mouth Swabs, a small bottle with preservative liquid, and a consent form.
Step 03: Collect Your Buccal (Mouth) Swab
Open the kit provided, and collect the sample with the buccal swabs (mouth swabs) from the inside of your cheek, do it on both sides, break the swabs, and keep it in the liquid. It’s quick and painless! Make sure to complete this step within 2 days of receiving the kit to ensure a fresh sample.
Step 04: Schedule a Reverse Pickup
After collecting your sample, contact the Moderate team to arrange for the reverse pickup of your kit. The team will schedule the courier to collect your sample from your home at your convenience.
Step 05: Receive Your Results
Once the kit reaches the lab, processing the sample and generating your report typically takes about 4 weeks. Once ready, you’ll receive the full report via WhatsApp.
Additionally, an expert from Moderate will connect with you to explain your results in detail, including a personalised DNA-based diet plan tailored to your genetic profile. This consultation helps you understand the insights and take actionable steps for better health management.
Genetic testing for diabetes is a breakthrough tool that allows you to take control of your health with personalised insights. Whether you're looking to prevent the onset of diabetes, manage an existing condition, or make informed family health decisions, genetic testing provides the information you need to make smarter, proactive choices. From early detection and personalised treatment to better long-term management, this technology offers the power to transform the way you manage your health.
In a world where diabetes is a growing concern, genetic testing is more than just a diagnostic tool—it’s an opportunity to take control of your future and live a healthier, more informed life.
Also Read the Articles:
- How Genetic Testing Helps You Lose Weight?
- Is Mango Good for Diabetes?
- Is Pomegranate Good for Diabetes?
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Causes, Risk Factors and Symptoms
| *** This Article is Written by Swetha Ramala, MSc. in Food, Nutrition & Dietetics. |
