Question:
We are in the process of trying to adopt a child. A birth mother has
chosen us as the one she wants to adopt her child to be born soon. She
has epilepsy and Insulin dependent diabetes, Type 2. She says she got
the diabetes from her grandmother. My question: Is the epilepsy
and/or this type diabetes hereditary? I am reading a lot on this and am
interested in your response.
Answer:
Some forms of epilepsy are hereditary. I would suggest trying to get
more detailed information regarding what type of epilepsy the birth
mother has and discussing this with a child neurologist for more
information.
You say the birth mother has insulin dependent, Type 2 diabetes. There
must be some confusion. Insulin Dependent Diabetes is Type 1.
Both forms of diabetes are "hereditary," though not to the same extent.
If a parent has Type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent), each child has
approximately a 5 to 10% chance of developing diabetes in their
lifetime. If a parent has Type 2 diabetes (non insulin dependent),
each child has a 45 to 50% chance of developing diabetes in their
lifetime. The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes can be significantly
decreased by keeping one's weight normal. Studies are presently
underway to see if Type 1 diabetes can be predicted and prevented.
TGL
Original posting 9 Mar 97
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