Chances of my childreen of getting diabeties..

[babypink]

Im 28 years old and I just got married. I have diabetes type 1 and so does my husband. Ive heard that there is a 2% chance that if i get pregnant my child will have diabetes also. Are the risks higher if my husband also have diabetes, if yes how high are the chances? What are things I can do to make my pregnency cope with my diabeties?

[JDRF-Team-wak]

I am not a physician, but the mom of a type 1 diabetic, and the daughter of a type 2 diabetic.   I do not know necessarily that your chances are higher for having a child with diabetes.  I would suggest that you discuss your concerns about getting pregnant with your endocrinologist and your OB/GYN.  I would suggest that you find an OB/GYN that specializes in diabetic pregnancies, and that you get in tight control of your diabetes, everything that I have read says that these are 2 major considerations before even getting pregnant.

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

Hello,
I'm another volunteer.  Here are some websites that report on research findings of Type 1 and genetics ...  The whole picture is not yet fully understood.

If this website address wraps onto 2 lines, copy/paste the whole thing into your browser.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11554771&dopt=Abstract
(from the year 2001)

http://www.genetichealth.com/DBTS_Genetics_of_Type_1_Diabetes.shtml  (from the year 2000)

For info on more current information, visit JDRF (http://www.jdrf.org), click on the top/left link to RESEARCH and then type Genetics into the search box.  YOu'll read about JDRF sponsored work in this area.

Congrats on your marriage!  Whether you decide to "make" your babies or to adopt loveable munchkins, I wish you & hubby a wonderful family life.  Folks who've learned to manage diabetes are a gifted group o' folks and can be wonderful parents.

[JDRF-Team-JW]

I am also another volunteer here. I've had Type I diabetes for over 10 years. Was diagnosed at 18. I don't have any children yet but I understand how you feel because having a helathy pregnancy and child in the future is always on my mind. However, interestingly enough I had never really worried too much about my child being diabetic since I don't believe that Type I diabetes in hereditary. No one in my family has it and anyone I've met with Type I diabetes is also the only one in their family. So I don't believe your child is at any more risk of developing diabetes, even though both you and your husband have it. I think the suggestions above are right on the money, though. Find a good OB/GYN specializing in diabetic and complicated pregnancies -they will be able to give you more information and facts regarding your concerns.
As far as having a healthy baby and pregnancy with diabetes: your endo and the OB/GYN will work with you in ensuring everything goes smoothly. There are also wonderful resources out there for mothers-to-be with Type I Diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has two very good books (I have them): "Diabetes and pregnancy" and "101 tips for a healthy pregnancy with diabetes", which you can get through their website, amazon.com or book stores. So talk to your doctor to put your mind at ease and I wish you and your husband all the best in starting a family. Good luck!

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

JW is right that it was long believed that, as an autoimmune disease, Type 1 had no genetic component.

Current research, however, speaks to the contrary altho' the specific increased risk is not certain.  This line of research emerged in part because of increasing numbers of Type 1s in a given family.  

Some research suggests that there are even differnt TYPES of type 1 -- that may have different root causes.

When my sister (also type 1) decided to start a family, she & her hubby asked that we all participate in some type of genetic evaluation by giving a small amount of blood for analysis.  That was more than 20 years ago.  Based on the results from our family & her hubby's family, they were told they had a 5% (5 out of 100) chance of a child dveloping diabetes.  In the general population, I believe the number is much less.

They have 2 children.  One developed diabetes at age 4.

My point is taht genetic tests can give you some indication of the risks, and yet since no one has complete information on the genetic/environmental "mix" that results in Type 1, the info you get (which WILL be better than was available 20+ years ago) will still be an estimate.

Many Type 1 diabetics have children who do not develop diabetes.  Others aren't so lucky.  There is no certainty at this point.

[InsulinPumper]

I am not a medical professional either however both myself and older brother have type 1 and have had many conversations regarding this subject.  The only we know for sure if getting tested.  I live by the saying, Dont Guess, Test.


I hope this helps.

[Metcalf]

Hi Babypink,

I am a type 1 diabetic as well as my husband.  I am 31 years old and my husbend is 32, I have the same questions as you so and have found it very difficult to get an answer.

I have spoken with specialists and the only answer I got was one I didn't want to hear.  The doctor asked me if I would consider getting a sperm donor, as this would lower our chances of passing it on to our child, but then it really wouldn't by "our" child.  I said that it was not a option.  I suggest seeing a genetic counselor, he or she may be able to give you a percentage of your chances. Unfortunately, I would think they are higher than 2% but you are seeing what is out there first before you conceive and the is the best way to start.

If I find amy information out, I will post it as this affects me as much you.  I wish you all the best for whatever your choice.

[netski]

Hello,

I'm just another Type I living on a pump.  I have had Type I for fifty years and was told by several professionals that it was not hereditary.  I never really believed that, and when my five year old grandson came down with Type I, and they said it was a coincidence, I knew I was right - it is hereditary.  I had six pregnancies, three were miscarriages, one daughter died of an unknown cause at 18 months, and I had a son and a daughter.  My daughter's son is the one who has Type I.  I don't think all the answers are truly available yet.  Good luck...

netski

[mmeshell657]

I am in the same situation! I was wondering if you found anything out yet? Have you had a child? Did you get any of your questions answered?