Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is becoming increasingly common, affecting millions of people worldwide, including in Vietnam. It is not only a serious chronic disease but is also closely linked to complications such as kidney failure, blindness, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
One of the most frequently asked questions is: Is diabetes hereditary? If your parents or other close relatives have the condition, does that mean your risk is higher? The answer is yes — but the extent of that risk also depends on other factors such as diet, physical activity, living environment, and how well you monitor your health.
Understanding the genetic nature of the disease is the first step toward building an effective prevention strategy. In this process, monitoring devices such as blood glucose meters are essential tools that help you proactively check your glucose levels, make timely adjustments, and prevent dangerous complications.
According to numerous studies, diabetes does have a genetic component, but the degree of influence varies by type of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes usually develops early in life and occurs when the immune system attacks the beta cells that produce insulin. While genetics play a role, the link is not as strong as it is with type 2 diabetes. If a parent has type 1 diabetes, the risk for their child increases — particularly if the father is affected.
However, only about 5–10% of people with type 1 diabetes have a family history of the disease. This shows that environmental factors, viral infections, or immune disorders also contribute significantly.
This is the most common form, accounting for about 90% of all diabetes cases. If you have an immediate family member (parent, sibling) with the disease, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes may be 2–4 times higher. If both parents have it, your risk can exceed 50%.
Gene variants such as TCF7L2, FTO, and SLC30A8 have been found to be linked to insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. However, lifestyle factors remain a major influence — someone with high genetic risk can still avoid the disease with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Women whose mothers or sisters had gestational diabetes are more likely to experience the same condition during pregnancy. After childbirth, they are also at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if blood glucose levels are not well controlled.
Beyond genetics, several other risk factors can significantly increase your chance of developing diabetes if left unmanaged:
Low physical activity reduces the body’s ability to use glucose and increases insulin resistance — the main driver of type 2 diabetes.
Excess visceral fat disrupts hormonal balance and increases insulin resistance.
Foods high in refined sugar, soft drinks, and sweets cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, overloading the pancreas.
People with high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, or elevated triglycerides are more prone to glucose metabolism disorders.
Those over 45 face higher risks because insulin activity and beta cell recovery naturally decline with age.
Women who have given birth to babies weighing more than 4 kg or who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
As diabetes cases continue to rise, home-use blood glucose meters have become essential medical devices for regularly tracking glucose levels — especially for those with a family history of the disease.
People at high risk (due to genetics, excess weight, or low activity levels) should check their blood glucose in the morning and after meals to detect abnormal fluctuations and identify prediabetes early.
Modern electronic blood glucose meters can store results, connect to smartphone apps, and display readings within seconds.
Recording unusually high results allows users to adjust their diet, increase exercise, or seek medical advice early — preventing complications.
Early detection using a blood glucose meter helps with prevention rather than treatment, reducing the risk of hospitalization and expensive complication management.
Many people confuse blood glucose meters with sugar testing devices. In essence, these terms usually refer to the same type of device — but understanding the distinction can help you choose the right one.
The accurate medical term for devices that measure glucose levels in capillary blood. Requires the main unit, a lancet, and test strips.
A common consumer term that also refers to blood glucose meters. Some people also use it to describe devices that test glucose in urine — but this method is less accurate and not widely recommended.
When purchasing, consider:
Knowing your target range and keeping your blood glucose within it is key to preventing and managing diabetes.
|
Time of Test |
Normal (mmol/L) |
Prediabetes |
Diabetes |
|
Fasting (morning) |
4.0 – 5.6 |
5.7 – 6.9 |
≥ 7.0 |
|
2 hours after meal |
< 7.8 |
7.8 – 11.0 |
≥ 11.1 |
|
HbA1c (blood test) |
< 5.7% |
5.7 – 6.4% |
≥ 6.5% |
Home testing tips:
Managing diabetes effectively is a long-term process — especially if you have a genetic predisposition. Here are practical steps you can apply at home:
Test at least 1–2 times a day if you have diabetes, or 2–3 times a week if you are at high risk.
Brisk walking, cycling, or yoga for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week helps improve insulin sensitivity.
Stress raises cortisol levels, which can indirectly raise blood glucose. Relaxation is a key part of diabetes management.
In addition to blood glucose, keep track of blood pressure, blood lipids, and BMI.
Genetics may increase your risk of diabetes — but it doesn’t seal your fate. By proactively changing your lifestyle and using supportive tools such as blood glucose meters, you can effectively control the disease or even prevent it entirely.
Remember: you can’t change your genes, but you can change the way you live. That is the key to protecting the health of both yourself and your family
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