Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus follows multifactorial inheritance. The empiric risks vary between studies, but general figures for clinical diabetes in the first 20 years are 3%, if either a sibling or parent is affected.
Non-insulin dependent diabetes shows stronger genetic predisposition, the risk to siblings may approach 40% by aged 80 years. DNA testing can now be used to make a specific diagnosis in the 1 - 2% of all diabetes patients with a single gene disorder. Making such a diagnosis is important as it can have a dramatic effect on the treatment a patient should receive. Diabetes may also occur as part of syndromes.
UK Support Group: Diabetes UK 10 Parkway London NW1 7AA UK Phone: +44 020 7424 1000 Fax: +44 020 7424 1001 E-mail: info@diabetes.org.uk Web: www.diabetes.org
If you would like to access specialist information on diabetes please go to:- Omim - Diabetes 1 and / or Omim - Diabetes 2
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