Jump to content

  • Set Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
Set Your LocationSet Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Book Appointment
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
    • Book Appointment
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Ask an Expert
  • Is Type 2 Diabetes Hereditary?
Content

Ask An Expert

Is Type 2 Diabetes Hereditary?

Joyce Giammattei

Joyce Giammattei, DrPH,RD, CDE

Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation

Question:

I'm a woman and diabetes runs in my family. So I've made an effort to watch what I eat, keep my weight down, and exercise. But now I've read that with a family history, my risk of pre-diabetes is increased - even if I'm slim. How can I prevent this?

Answer:

Type 2 diabetes does run in families. Genetics plays a part in increasing one's risk for developing the disease but there are other risk factors involved.

Lifestyle also influences the development of type 2 diabetes. A study called the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) found that high-risk people can delay or avoid developing type 2 diabetes by losing weight through regular physical activity and eating a diet low in fat and calories and high in fiber.

What you are doing is important in preventing or delaying the development of diabetes.

Related Questions

Question
  • Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy
    How does diabetes impact peripheral neuropathy in its early stages?
  • Elevated Blood Sugar Levels and Diabetes
    I've had a blood glucose test level of 104 in my last two blood workups. I know that it's just over the upper limits of being safe and was wondering if that is a problem at this stage? What can I do to lower my blood sugar? I don't want to get diabetes.
  • Thyroid Disease and Heart Disease Correlation
    Thyroid disease and heart disease have a high correlation. Why don't heart patients routinely get an endocrine work up?
  • Lowering Fasting Blood Sugar Levels
    Is there anything that can be done to lower my fasting blood sugar? I can control my postprandial blood sugar by limiting carbs during a meal, but my fasting blood sugar has been rising over the last year and it seems to be beyond my control.
  • Avocados: Healthy Fat for Diabetics?
    I had my gall bladder removed last year. I'm also diabetic. I know I'm supposed to eat low-fat foods. I know avocados contain healthy fat. Should I stay away from them or is it alright to eat them?

Back to Diabetes

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

  • Contact Us
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Book Appointment
  • Request Medical Records
  • Donate Now
Sign in to My Health Online

Billing and Insurance

  • Pay a Bill
  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Estimate Costs
  • Medicare Advantage

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Community Benefit
  • Annual Report
  • News and Media

Our Team

  • For Employees
  • For Medical Professionals
  • For Vendors
  • For Volunteers

Careers

  • Jobs at Sutter
  • Physician Jobs
  • Graduate Medical Education

Copyright © 2023 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

  • ADA Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • LinkedIn Opens new window
  • YouTube Opens new window
  • Facebook Opens new window
  • Twitter Opens new window
  • Instagram Opens new window
  • Glassdoor Opens new window

Cookie Policy

We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences