Genetic Risk Factors
The risk of developing type 1 diabetes is increased by variants of the HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, and HLA-DRB1 genes. The genes belong to the human leukocyte (HLA) complex. THe HLA complex helps the immune system distinguish the body’s proteins from proteins made by foreign. HLA genes have many variations, and everyone has a certain combination of them, called a haplotype. Certain haplotypes seem to increase the risk of an inappropriate immune response to beta cells. However, only about 5% of people with these variants develop type 1 diabetes. HLA variants account for an estimated 40% of genetic risk for type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes - Genetics Home Reference. (2017, March). Retrieved April 12, 2017, from https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/type-1-diabetes
Type 1 diabetes - Genetics Home Reference. (2017, March). Retrieved April 12, 2017, from https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/type-1-diabetes