2009 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript
This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2009. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.
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How can we prevent familial diabetes?
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Donna Krasnewich, M.D., Ph.D.:
I investigate diseases resulting from abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates.
I wish there was a good answer for this. Familial diabetes is what is called a complex genetic disorder. This means that likely the effects of a group of genes that are not quite working correctly lead to familial diabetes, or problems with controlling the level of glucose/sugar in our blood. There are several studies ongoing exploring which group of genes are associated with diabetes. Right now there are also very strong clinical research projects looking for the best way to manage the medical issues of people with diabetes. Prevention at this point is difficult, understanding the genes involved and good management will pave the way for this ultimate goal of prevention. |
| B.B.S.P.Nag SMVCBT, Nagpur, INDIA (teacher) |
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