| Riddle: What has been around for years and | | | | 4. You can possibly save your life. |
| makes you go out on a limb? | | | | How does my ancestors' type 1 diabetes affect |
| Answer: Your family tree. | | | | my health? |
| Finding out where you've come from has become | | | | The answer to this stomach-churning question |
| a popular and interesting hobby. There are | | | | includes two factors: genetics and exposure to a |
| websites designed to help you find out everything | | | | certain virus. |
| about your ancestry. There are companies that | | | | 1. Genetics is the first reason for type 1 diabetes. |
| collect ancestry information because of its recent | | | | Type 1 diabetes usually develops during |
| popularity. Look for a social group that shares | | | | adolescence or childhood, but don't be fooled. |
| your interest and meet new friends. | | | | Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age. |
| While tracing your family tree can be fun and | | | | 2. A certain virus is the second reason for type 1 |
| informative, it can also be devastating. Why? | | | | diabetes. The immune system attacks its own |
| Because newly found health problems can | | | | beta cells. These cells create and release insulin. |
| transform that feeling of happiness to | | | | Insulin controls the level of glucose in the blood. |
| susceptibility when someone realizes they are at | | | | Tracing your family's health history will let you |
| great risk for type 1 diabetes because of their | | | | know if you're at risk for type 1 diabetes. After |
| hereditary. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to | | | | tracing your family's health history, you |
| your health. You need to know the facts so you | | | | discovered an ancestor who had diabetes. |
| can live a healthier life. You need to know the | | | | Why should I take time out of my busy schedule |
| facts, too, so you can inform your children and | | | | to trace my family history, follow all these rules, |
| grandchildren. You want to give your children and | | | | and treat my diabetes? |
| grandchildren the information they need to live | | | | You need some reasons? No problem, I'll give you |
| their lives healthier. | | | | two: |
| How do I know if I'm at risk for type 1 diabetes? | | | | 1. A mild exercise program will give you energy, |
| Trace your family history. There are many | | | | new life, and a healthy body. |
| advantages to doing this. | | | | 2. A healthy diet will give you the nutrients you |
| 1. You become aware of your health | | | | need to have a longer and fuller life. |
| predispositions. | | | | The bad news first. Even though there is active |
| 2. You learn more about your family. | | | | research, type 1 diabetes still has no cure. But this |
| 3. You find out new things you never knew about | | | | doesn't mean you can't live life to the fullest. |
| your family. | | | | |