Researchers are learning to predict people’s chances of developing diabetes. For instance, most white people with type 1 diabetes have genes associated with autoimmune diseases. Suppose their child is white and shares those genes, their child’s risk increases (McCarthy, 2019). Suspect genes in other ethnic groups are less well studied; however, scientists believe that the gene may also put African Americans in danger. One screening involves an antibody test for children with type 1 diabetic brothers and sisters. The test measures antibodies against insulin, islet cells, and an enzyme called glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Elevated rates may suggest a child has a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes. An additional genetic test for monogenic diabetes is to provide a blood or saliva sample from the DNA. The DNA analyzes changes in the genes that cause monogenic diabetes (Pinto et al., 2021). Abnormal results can determine the gene responsible for diabetes in a particular person or show if a person is likely to develop a monogenic form of diabetes in the future. Genetic testing can help select the most suitable therapy for people with monogenic diabetes. Also, understanding the risk of having a child with monogenic diabetes is critical in pregnancy planning. Nurses trained DNP’s are able to apply the knowledge of genetic tests through diagnosis, disease prognosis, treatment, and advice.
McCarthy, J. (2019, May 23). How genetic testing is benefiting patients with diabetes. Precision Medicine Advisors. Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://www.precisionmedicineadvisors.com/precisionmedicine-blog/2019/4/30/how-genetic-testing-is-benefiting-patients-with-diabetes
Pinto, D. L., De Araújo, R., Cruz, S. A., Canavarro, T. A., & Brito, M. A. (2021). Diabetes monogênico: Diabetes tipo mody, diabetes neontal / monogenic diabetes: Mody diabetes, neonatal diabetes. Brazilian Journal of Development, 7(12), 114188–114205. https://doi.org/10.34117/bjdv7n12-276
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