DNA Type 2 Diabetes Test

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that disrupts the body’s normal glucose and insulin balance. Glucose is a simple sugar that circulates in the blood and is the primary source of energy for the body’s cells, while insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas and helps to keep glucose levels within a healthy range. Affected individuals have consistently high blood sugar, insulin resistance and a relative lack of insulin. Type 2 diabetes can contribute to life-threatening disorders, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and poor blood flow.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes

• Genetic variation
• Obesity, leading to insulin resistance
• Fat accumulation, primarily in the abdomen
• Lack of physical exercise
• Ethnicity (Africans and American Indians have a higher risk)
• Prediabetes (elevated blood sugar)
• Gestational diabetes
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Genetics of type 2 diabetes

Genetic variations can affect our glucose and insulin levels, sensitivity to dietary fatty acids, and the way our body responds to insulin, resulting in increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The following table lists the genes analyzed in the type 2 diabetes test, and the effect of variation on metabolic health.

Three Easy Steps

Step 1: Order test kit online

Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a painless mouth swab, and mail to the lab in the provided return envelope

Step 3: Receive your results online

Click here for more details and to watch our explanatory video.