I Have Diabetes — Will My Children? 

Many diseases, defects, and disorders are linked to genetics, which is why it’s important to keep track of family medical history and talk to your doctor about any concerns. It’s not unusual for patients to receive frequent screenings for cancer, autism, and heart problems if it’s common in their family. This goes for diabetes as well. 

At Indus Healthcare, with offices in Pomona, West Covina, and Montclair, California, Dr. Amit Reenu Paliwal and his experienced team provide chronic care management for people with diabetes, and if your child turns out to have diabetes, as well, we can also deliver pediatric care services. 

Genetics of diabetes 

Diabetes is well known to be a genetic disorder, with many studies focusing on the hereditary aspects of the disease and how it’s passed through families. That doesn’t mean every child with a diabetic parent will be diabetic themselves, or even that identical twins will both have diabetes.

Awareness of symptoms of low and high blood sugar in children and frequent screening are key. Depending on which type of diabetes you already have, the likelihood of your child developing it varies. 

Type 1 diabetes

When it comes to type 1 diabetes, there are quite a few potential genetic factors to consider. Men with type 1 are more likely to pass it on to their children than women with the same disease, especially women who wait until after 25 to have their child. The risk is doubled for children whose parents both have type 1 diabetes. 

Type 2 diabetes 

The environmental factors involved in type 2 diabetes make it more difficult to determine a child’s risk. However, it’s generally understood that not only does type 2 diabetes have a genetic aspect,  but the lifestyle of the family does as well. Households with healthy eating and exercise habits lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, even if the parents have it themselves. 

It’s also important to remember that no amount of guesswork will let you determine whether your child will develop diabetes. Only time can tell you that, and you’ll just have to manage their health and screen them for symptoms in the meantime. 

Pediatric screening for diabetes 

If you or your child’s other parent has diabetes, particularly type 1, you’ll want to mention this to each new pediatrician and keep an eye out for warning signs. Many children don’t realize that something is wrong, much less that they’re displaying symptoms of diabetes. Things to look out for include: 

• Frequent urination or sudden bedwetting 
• Increased hunger or thirst
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Behavioral changes
• Fruity breath
• Fatigue 

Left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including damage to the nerves, eyes, and kidneys. If you suspect that your child is suffering from symptoms of diabetes, try testing their blood sugar at home and definitely bring them to a doctor for a screening. 

At Indus Healthcare, we provide pediatric blood tests to check for both types of diabetes. To schedule a consultation, call the location closest to you, or visit the contact page for more information.