No one is born with diabetes in the sense of having the disease fully developed at birth. However, a predisposition to type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be inherited genetically.
Genetic Predisposition to Diabetes
Several references highlight the role of genetics in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes:
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Type 1 Diabetes: While not directly "born" with the disease, individuals can inherit genetic traits that increase their risk of developing type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells. This often manifests later in life, but the genetic susceptibility is present from birth. (https://www.healthline.com/health/difference-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes, https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/type-1-diabetes/, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011)
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Type 2 Diabetes: Similarly, a genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes can be inherited. This doesn't mean the disease is automatically present at birth, but rather, that an individual has a higher likelihood of developing it later in life, often influenced by lifestyle factors. (https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/genetics-diabetes, https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/type-2-diabetes/, https://dtc.ucsf.edu/types-of-diabetes/type2/understanding-type-2-diabetes/what-is-type-2-diabetes/)
Diabetes During Pregnancy
It is important to distinguish between pre-existing diabetes and gestational diabetes:
- Pre-gestational diabetes: A mother may have type 1 or type 2 diabetes before becoming pregnant. This pre-existing condition can impact pregnancy outcomes. (https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-infant-health/pregnancy-diabetes/index.html, https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=diabetes-during-pregnancy-90-P02444)
- Gestational diabetes: This is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It is not a condition a baby is born with, but rather a condition that can affect both the mother and baby's health during the pregnancy. (https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-infant-health/pregnancy-diabetes/index.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583003/)
In summary, while a genetic predisposition to diabetes can be inherited, the actual disease itself is not present at birth.
