The concept of detecting the state of health of a person’s body system through understanding genetic examination seems easy enough. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) contains chemical information about one’s body functions. They reveal information about gene mutations or changes that affect potential health status and future wellbeing or exposure risk to certain diseases. Here is all you need to know about finding your genetic health through DNA.
How DNA Can Reveal Your Genetic Health
A DNA test diagnosis sometimes indicates only risk exposure to certain diseases as most are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. However, they can reveal mutations that may be the primary cause of certain conditions, such as Huntington’s disease or sickle cell anemia.
Besides, Genetic conditions such as Fragile X, cystic fibrosis, and risk level to cancer can be revealed by genetic testing by analyzing the condition’s related markers in the DNA. Life-threatening conditions that can be determined through DNA testing give patients a possible range of options for better treatment and management. The information from conducted DNA tests can also identify the risk of developing hereditary diseases.
A typical general medical DNA test can be conducted on blood samples, tissue samples (skin or hair), amniotic fluid, or even cell samples collected from the inside of the cheek using a cotton swab or a small brush. Testing mechanisms have become cheaper, quicker, and more precise over the years as awareness of genetic mutations seems to grow. Direct-to-consumer DNA tests are becoming more common and adopted due to personal and private reasons and are easily gotten from testing companies.
For instance, my DNA test kit offers a wide range of genetic tests that can be run by private individuals at their disposal, especially when privacy is sought. Regardless, recommendations from primary care physicians should be sought for but not necessarily needed to take the test privately.
As easy as home testing may seem, professionals advise that a guide from health professionals explaining the process and considerations that may come with getting detailed information on genetic health is needed. The emotional aspect of testing is often not as easy as the science behind it. Before taking a test, it is important to speak to a genetic counselor to understand the procedure, benefits, and limitations of the test and possible consequences of the results of the tests. Follow-up with a genetic counselor is also advised in some instances.
Understanding The Impact Of Genetics On Health
Health status can most times be dependent on genetic traits to a certain extent. Some diseases are dependent on genetic factors and are called 100 percent penetrant. Purely genetic-related conditions such as; Tay-Sachs disease, Huntington’s disease, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, Down syndrome, and Spinal Muscle Atrophy can be detected in simple carrier tests.
Sometimes being a carrier of some genetic disorder may not affect a person or their health. It may be an indication of the chance of passing a copy of the mutation to future children. A clear example would be cystic fibrosis. Being a carrier of the mutation linked with cystic fibrosis only indicates a 50% chance of developing the condition or passing it down to future children.
However, conditions linked to single-gene disorder or mutations are more likely to be developed in carrier individuals. For instance, Huntington’s disease, a mutation associated with dementia, is usually a clear indication that carriers would develop the condition late into their 50s or 60s.
Other conditions which have multiple markers and environmental or behavioral are a little more complex. It essentially means that the genetic predisposition to the disease is not a sign that one has or could develop the disease. There are many ways that the person can do behaviorally to prevent or exacerbate or cause the disease. Diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Type 2 Diabetes are examples of such conditions.
The goal of DNA testing is to understand the predisposition of one’s health towards particular diseases. Actions are taken from insights of such information to improve one’s wellbeing. Awareness of symptoms and having a healthy lifestyle can be adopted to manage the risk of health conditions.
Persons with DNA mutations associated with Type 2 Diabetes can exercise regularly, routinely measure blood glucose and watch their weight to prevent the risk of developing the disease. Results from DNA testing can also help map out treatment plans. The genetic information provided through tests reveals details for formulating the best treatment plans.
Conclusion
Achieving a better state of health is the ultimate goal of medicine. Medical technology is in transition from the use of vaccines for treatment to the use of genetic information for a better understanding of diseases and possible prevention. DNA tests are very effective for understanding health status and conditions. Inherited diseases and genetically-induced conditions are best diagnosed and treated with genetic tests. The effect is a far less expensive and much better method for diagnosing diseases. Prevention, after all, is better and cheaper than cure.
