Diabetes Sensor

Is there type 2 diabetes in your family and you wonder about your own predisposition? Diabetes Sensor is a buccal-swab genetic test analysing gene variants associated with type 2 diabetes risk. It shows predisposition, not whether you have the disease: blood glucose and HbA1c show that.

Who the test is for

• people whose parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes;
• people wanting additional predisposition information and motivation to change diet and activity;
• people already checking glucose regularly who are interested in the genetic risk component;
• people interested in how genes can affect some diabetes medicines, as supplementary information.

Testing is not intended to diagnose diabetes or detect the rare inherited form MODY, occurring young across multiple generations. A diabetologist proposes targeted genetic testing for it.

What the test detects

Type 2 diabetes arises from genes and lifestyle together. Research has found hundreds of associated variants, each increasing risk very slightly. Even together they say less about individual risk than weight, waist circumference, age, family history and glucose findings.

Diabetes Sensor analyses selected variants associated with type 2 risk and some diabetes medicines. Results estimate genetic predisposition and give general prevention advice. Medicine information is supplementary only because genetic testing is not currently part of standard guidance for most diabetes medicines. Read more about symptoms, risks and tests in Diabetes: symptoms, risk, tests and what Diabetes Sensor shows.

The procedure and preparation

A buccal swab is taken by rubbing a stick several times inside the cheek. It is painless, takes a minute or two and needs no blood collection. For 30 minutes beforehand, do not eat, drink anything except water, smoke or chew gum. The genetic code does not change during life, so testing is performed only once.

What your result means

Results are best interpreted with a doctor alongside glucose, HbA1c, body weight and family history.

• Increased genetic predisposition does not mean you will develop disease. It means regular glucose checks and healthy habits matter even more.
• Average or reduced genetic predisposition does not mean you cannot develop disease. Weight, activity and diet still strongly affect risk.
• Medicine information is not a treatment recommendation. A GP or diabetologist determines therapy; do not change it yourself.

If severe thirst and frequent urination accompany vomiting, rapid breathing, confusion or sleepiness, do not wait for the result: call emergency assistance on 194 or 112.

How to arrange testing

No referral or appointment is needed: a nurse takes the swab at any branch (listed under Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list. To check for high blood sugar, the answer is provided by Glycaemic status panel, containing glucose and HbA1c from one blood collection.

Frequently asked questions

Is type 2 diabetes inherited?

Predisposition is partly inherited, with higher risk when parents or siblings have the disease. Much of the risk nevertheless depends on weight, activity and diet, which you can influence.

Can genetic testing replace blood tests?

No. Only fasting glucose and HbA1c, and glucose tolerance testing for borderline results, show diabetes or prediabetes.

Do I still need glucose checks if results are normal?

Yes. A normal genetic result does not exclude disease. A doctor determines checking frequency according to age, weight and other risk factors.

Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?

It can often be prevented or at least delayed. In people with prediabetes, losing excess weight, regular activity and dietary change substantially reduce the likelihood of developing disease.