Family history of diabetes? Know why early screening is important for you

Diabetes remains one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases worldwide, and its numbers are increasing at an alarming rate. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 589 million adults between the ages of 20 and 79 currently have diabetes. This amounts to approximately 1 in 9 people worldwide. This number is projected to increase to 853 million by 2050. In 2024 alone, diabetes will cause 3.4 million deaths, or approximately one death every nine seconds. This condition develops when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Lifestyle factors such as diet, weight, and physical activity play a big role, but genetics are often overlooked. If diabetes runs in your family, your risk is greatly increased, so regular testing is not only important, but it can also save your life.

Understanding diabetes and its silent damage

Diabetes causes persistently elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, excess glucose damages blood vessels and vital organs. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage and blindness.

One big concern is that symptoms such as frequent urination, constant thirst, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss are often delayed. By the time they become noticeable, internal damage may already have progressed. This silent progression is why screening plays such an important role.

Genetic links: Why family history increases risk

According to Dr. Madhura Jogwar, Laboratory Director, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, Mumbai, family history plays an important role in the risk of diabetes. “Although diabetes itself is not directly inherited, a tendency toward insulin resistance or poor glucose metabolism can run in families,” she explains.

Type 2 diabetes, the most common type, is often caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle triggers. Research shows that if one parent has type 2 diabetes, the risk increases significantly.

Type 1 diabetes also has a genetic component. Studies have shown that siblings of people with type 1 diabetes are up to 15 times more at risk compared to the general population.

This genetic background makes active screening especially important for those with a family history.

Why early screening can save lives

Diabetes often develops gradually. Many people first enter a stage called prediabetes. At this stage, blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet in the diabetic range. Alarmingly, global data shows that almost 90% of people with prediabetes are unaware of their condition.

“Screening can help detect these early metabolic changes before complications begin,” says Dr. Jogwar. Early intervention through lifestyle changes, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and weight management can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Early detection also allows for timely treatment and reduces the risk of heart disease and other complications.

Common diabetes screening tests

Screening is easy, affordable, and widely available. The recommended tests are:

• fasting blood sugar test – Measure blood sugar levels after 8 to 10 hours of fasting.
• HbA1c test – Reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)) – Assess how your body processes sugar.
• serum insulin level – Helpful in assessing insulin resistance.

If you have a family history or other risk factors, such as obesity or high blood pressure, your doctor may advise you to get tested every 1 to 3 years or annually.

Awareness is prevention

Knowing your genetic risk allows you to take early action. Even if diabetes runs in your family, you can significantly reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, staying physically active, managing stress, and getting tested regularly.