Some researchers think so. There have been numerous studies into this question, and scientists believe they have isolated a gene in overweight mice that may signal the likelihood of certain humans developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

genetic factors are believed to account for roughly half of an individual's risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Knowing which genes contribute to the onset of the disease would help develop profiles of obese individuals at the greatest risk, Attie said.

What do you think about studies like these? Are they helpful, or do they incite fear? Are mice and humans really comparable? Would you want to know if you or your child had this 'diabetes gene'?

(Adorable (!) Photo Source: The Natural Way)