Is Type 2 Diabetes Genetic?

Let’s be honest—living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) means dealing with some unfair misconceptions and stigma. Some people think you’re lazy, overweight or obese, hate exercise and don’t eat healthily. If you mention your family has a history of diabetes, especially type 2, people might think you’re just making excuses for your lifestyle. 

They’re wrong, but why? What’s the link between type 2 diabetes, genetics and heredity? In this guide, we spell it out and explain the link.

Is type 2 diabetes genetic?

In short, many people get T2D because of their genes. But instead of thinking of it as just inherited, it’s better to see it as a personal risk. People with a close family member with diabetes are three times more likely to get it themselves.

T2D makes up 90 to 95% of all diabetes cases. There’s no simple checklist to define it because doctors usually diagnose it by ruling out other types, like type 1, LADA and MODY. 

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) explains that “You inherit a predisposition to the disease, then something in your environment triggers it.”

The reality is, there’s a clear link between family history and T2D. Some data shows it:

• If someone has a family history of T2D, their risk of developing it is higher. 
• If one parent has it, there’s a 40% chance the child will too. 
• If both parents have it, the chance jumps to 70%.
• Compared to people without this family history, you’re three times more likely to develop it if a sibling or parent has it, and six times more likely if both parents do.

Kids are more at risk if their mother has T2D than if their father has it. This might be because nutrition and high blood sugar during pregnancy can permanently change how the body handles insulin and sugar.

How the environment impacts your risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Your environment can make it easier or harder for you to get T2D. It’s not just about what you eat or if you exercise. 

All aspects of your well-being can impact your risk, including:

• Family
• Culture
• Friends
• Money
• Even your personality!

Why do these factors impact your risk? They all shape how you see and practice healthy living!

How family dynamics impact your risk of developing type 2 diabetes

If you grow up in a family where lots of foods high in calories, fat, sugar and salt are common, it can be hard to start eating healthier. But if your family values fresh, unprocessed foods and staying active, you’re more likely to keep those habits when you’re older.

Changing habits is hard! If you find yourself struggling to recondition yourself, you’re not alone. This is why many people with T2D benefit from health coaching, for example, where you can work on forming new habits gradually over time that stick and are realistic for your way of life.

Your culture also matters. Different backgrounds have different beliefs and  guidelines about health. These can include strong feelings about how your body should look, gender roles, how to treat health problems and beliefs about how food and medicine can help you manage your diabetes.

How society impacts your type 2 diabetes risk

The media you consume, the rules and thoughts that shape your behavior and how you engage with people outside your family all influence your overall well-being. Think about it: if you see lots of fast food ads on TV or follow content creators who only post about fast food on social media, but don’t see many ads or creators posting about healthy food, which do you think you’ll want to eat?

Most likely, you’ll choose fast food because the ads can make you think about that type of food. Even if you want to eat healthy, these ads can make unhealthy food seem more tempting.

Policies also play a role. They decide what kinds of food are in stores or whether restaurants must show nutritional information on their menus. Policies influence what you learn about food and health at school, including which health lessons you receive and how good they are.

Your friends and coworkers can also affect your health. For example, if your job has activities with food—like office parties with pizza or snacks—you’re probably going to eat something. Most workplaces have snack machines or treats to keep people happy. If you sit at a desk all day, this can also impact your health in big ways.

How the environment impacts your type 2 diabetes risk

Your financial situation and neighborhood can affect your ability to get the medical care, food and recreation you need to stay healthy. Walkability means how easy it is to walk around an area and includes how easy and safe it is to reach places. If an area is highly walkable, it is associated with a lower risk of T2D. 

If you live in a big city with stores nearby that are easy to reach, your area is considered walkable. But if your neighborhood isn’t safe, it might stop you from going to the grocery store, the pharmacy or even going for a walk. As a result, you may find yourself sitting down and eating out more.

Having a neighborhood that’s not very walkable can make it harder to get the care you need to manage your diabetes. If your doctor or pharmacy is far from home, it’s less likely you’ll visit regularly or pick up your medicine often. Sadly, where you live often depends on your financial situation and the neighborhood you’re in can affect the quality of food and healthcare you have access to.

 Lower income neighborhoods often lack access to healthy food options and quality medical clinics. This can lead more people to develop diabetes and experience serious health problems.

Genes are a factor, but not the only one

While T2D isn’t always inherited, genetics shouldn’t be disregarded as a key risk factor. Diagnoses are often a mix of family prevalence and environmental influences. 

You should tell your doctor if T2D runs in your family and take extra care of yourself if it does. This means getting your blood sugar tested regularly, knowing which blood sugar levels indicate diabetes, maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine, and taking it upon yourself to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetes easily.

Living with type 2 diabetes can carry a heavy burden of shame and stigma. Beyond Type 1 is changing what it means to live with type 2 diabetes alongside a community of peers who truly understand. Join a community that’s been in your shoes. Explore our Community Apps.