Several companies are now offering consumers the chance to have their genes analyzed to determine people's risk of certain diseases. But a new study is warning buyer beware.
Different genes play a role in common illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, but each gene has only a small influence on a person's risk. Researchers at Harvard University wanted to test multiple genes together to determine if they could predict a person's chances of developing diabetes.
They took DNA samples from more than 6,000 patients and found the test was not overly accurate at predicting type-2 diabetes. After accounting for risk factors like age, weight and family history the genetic test only improved prediction by one per cent.
Experts say that DNA tests for disease may improve within a few years but for now are not worth the expense.
You can buy various DNA tests over the internet at a cost of around $500 U.S.
But even if you don't care about the cost or for that matter accuracy, the bigger question is what you do with the information once you have it. If you're at risk a healthy diet, losing weight if you're overweight and exercise can help prevent the development of type-2 diabetes
There are genetic tests that are more accurate in predicting disease.
Perhaps one of the best known is the genetic testing for inherited forms of breast and ovarian cancer, but again the key part of any genetic testing is predicting risk. It doesn't automatically guarantee that you'll develop the disease. That's why all genetic tests should not be undertaken with out appropriate counselling to see if you should do the test in the first place. Then, when you get the results, counselling can help you make an informed decision about what you want to do with the information.
Psoriasis a health indicator
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes patches of dry flakey skin. Now a new study suggests women who have this skin condition may be more at risk for other health problems.
Researchers Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School looked at a group of 78,000 women involved in an ongoing health survey. They found women with psoriasis were 63 per cent more likely to develop diabetes, and 17 per cent more likely to develop hypertension than women without psoriasis.
Inflammation could be an explanation for the link. Inflammation is a risk factor for high blood pressure and may also contribute to insulin resistance.
Inflammation can be caused by many things, but experts say that identifying the cause doesn't eliminate the risk for other disease processes.
Generally, everyone can lower inflammation levels in their body by making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, reducing alcohol intake, exercising, controlling diabetes and high blood pressure and stopping smoking.
