There are numerous diseases the have a tendency to “run” in families, in some cases it is more of a gallop. Diabetes is expressed in two forms. The early onset variety is Type I in which there is no significant amount of insulin produced. Type II diabetes is a result of a diminished response to insulin (insulin resistance) or a reduced amount of insulin production. Both have a family connection. Other diseases that have a familial connection are heart disease, a heightened susceptibility to cancer, an increased likelihood of depression and Alzheimer’s disease. These are the most common but by no means are all diseases with an inherited component.
It is important to know your family history. Your parents will hopefully be able to tell you what medical conditions your grandparents had as well as their own medical history. Sitting down to get your parents’ history is a good start. Maintaining a medical history file and a surgical history file in your computer for your parents will go a long way to helping health care professionals to make a better diagnosis if your parents become ill or need to change physicians for any reason.
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