Genomics and Chronic Disease Type 2 Diabetes and Family Health History

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Screening for Individuals Without a Family History

• Anyone 45 years and older should consider being screened for diabetes with a fasting glucose test or a glucose tolerance test. (1)
• Individuals age 45 and older and overweight should be screened with a fasting glucose test or a glucose tolerance
  test. (1)
• A healthcare worker should tell individuals younger than 45, who are overweight and may have other risk factors, about the risks of diabetes and discuss testing options with them. (1)
• Individuals with hypertension or hyperlipidemia should be screened for type 2 diabetes with a fasting glucose test
  or a glucose tolerance test. (2)

(1) American Diabetes Association and National Diabetes Education Program
(2) United States Preventive Services Task Force

Screening for Individuals With a Family History

• Testing should be considered at a younger age or carried out more frequently in patients with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) that had/has type 2 diabetes. (3)
• Talk to your healthcare provider about your family health history to make a personalized plan to maintain your
  health.

(3) American Diabetes Association

What is a Family Health History?

A record of a person's current and past illnesses, and those of his or her parents, brothers, sisters, children, and other blood relatives. A family health history shows the pattern of certain diseases in a family, and helps to determine risk factors for those and other diseases. (3)

(3) National Cancer Institute

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors and What You Can Do About Them

Things You Can Change

• Obesity: Greater weight leads to greater risk.
• Diet: A diet high in fat and calories and low in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits increases risk.
• Exercise: An inactive lifestyle increases risk.
• Abnormal lipid levels: Increases risk

Things You Can't Change

• Family History: Children or siblings of individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop it themselves. (5)
• Age: People 45 and older are at increased risk.
• Race/Ethnicity: African-Americans, American Indians, Hispanic and Latino Americans, and Pacific Islanders
  are at increased risk
• Sex: Women have higher risk than men
• Hypertension: Increases risk
• Gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing greater than 9 pounds: Increases risk
• Personal history of vascular disease: Increases risk
• Personal history of polycystic ovary syndrome or acanthosis nigricans: Increases risk

(5) National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
http://www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/GP_AmIatRisk.pdf (Non-MDH Site)

What Can You Do If You Have a Family History?

• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Eat a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, and lean meats
• Get active
• Drink alcohol sensibly
• Lipid screening and management
• Talk to your healthcare provider
• Talk to your healthcare provider about your family health history of diabetes
• Make a plan to preserve your health
• Earlier screening
• Engage in healthy behavior (see above)

Your Family Health History…

• Know your past.

• Act in the present.

• Protect your future.

Date last reviewed: August 2008