The 'Diabetes Gene:' Would You Want To Know?

Filed in archive Views on July 31, 2006

If you possessed a gene that may lead to a painful and potentially deadly disease, would you want to know? Or would you prefer the peace of not knowing, and hope healthy living would be enough to keep you well?

Those are the questions explored in this intriguing article, written by a woman whose mother and grandmother suffered with diabetes.

Researchers have found a gene variant that exists in 20% of diabetics, leading scientists to believe that this may be a strong indicator of developing the disease later in life. But is that 20% chance worth the stress of living under a dark cloud?

I'm not sure I want that straight-up shot of reality. Even with my family history, I figure there's a chance I got lucky and didn't inherit whatever my mother had. A test could erode that bit of optimism.

Would you want to know?

(Photo Source: Desk demon)