Researchers have discovered a new Type 1 diabetes gene. Australian scientists also found an LD1 master gene for Type 2 diabetes. New connections have been made between asthma and diabetes.
Both conditions are also linked to weight problems, poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles. Asthma and diabetes are the most common chronic childhood illnesses. Diabetes is commonly attributed to sedentary lifestyle. Diabetes is on the rise, as are asthma and obesity.
Children's Hospital in Philadelphia released findings from studies of 27,000 patients, including 10,000 Type 1 diabetics. Researchers found three mutations in the gene sequence of those with Type 1 diabetes. Findings point to other SNPs and have been added to the other 50 previously connected with diabetes.
Type 1 typically shows up in children, teens and young adults. It usually cannot be controlled with diet and exercise, and requires insulin injections. Type 1 is not linked to environment as much as Type 2. But poor diet can make Type 1 more difficult to control, even with insulin. Kids who don't get good nutrition or health care are also more susceptible to asthma, allergies and auto-immune diseases.
Type 2 Diabetes is linked to lifestyle, obesity and lack of exercise. Up to now, there was no cure for Type 2, but symptoms can often be managed with weight loss, improved nutrition and fitness. But new research shows an ld1 "master regular" gene present in Type 2 diabetics disrupts insulin production in beta cells in the pancreas. The gene typically lies dormant, but activates in those who consume a high-fat diet.
Eliminating the high fat diet and switching to a healthier option is the best solution. But researchers are looking at ways to implement drug therapy that will prevent the ld1 gene from activating. They hope to create medications that will maintain insulin production, even for those who maintain a high fat diet. Instead of managing Type 2 symptoms, drugs could prevent the disease.
Both findings are good news. There are 25.8 million people with diabetes. 215,000 children younger than 20 years old have diabetes. 1.9 million new cases of diabetes were discovered in people older than 20 in 2010. 26.9 percent those 65 and older have diabetes.
These findings are important for pre-diabetics, too. In pre-diabetes, fasting glucose levels aren't high enough to deem a person diabetic, but they put them at risk. Incidence of pre-diabetes is high and rising. In 2008, 35 percent of people older than 20 had pre-diabetes. In 2010, it was 79 percent.
Pre-diabetes affects children, especially those with excess belly fat or those who are obese. Pre-diabetes can be managed with weight loss, increased fitness and medications. With proper treatment, diabetes can be averted or reversed.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 23 years parenting four children and 25 years teaching.
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