Is Type 2 Diabetes Genetic?

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions in Australia, with almost 1.2 million people affected and its causes are often misunderstood. Many people assume it’s purely linked to lifestyle. While diet, exercise, and body weight do play an important role, there’s also a strong genetic component. So, can type 2 diabetes be genetic? The short answer is yes—but it’s not the whole story.

At Evergreen Doctors, we take a functional medicine approach to managing and preventing chronic illness, including type 2 diabetes. That means looking beyond surface-level symptoms to understand your unique biology, risk factors, and lifestyle.


Which Diabetes Is Genetic?

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have genetic factors. However, if you’re asking which diabetes is genetic in the context of family history and lifestyle, type 2 tends to run in families more strongly. If you have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes, your risk is significantly higher.

Unlike type 1, which is autoimmune and typically diagnosed in childhood, type 2 diabetes is influenced by a combination of genes and environmental triggers. Certain genes may make you more prone to insulin resistance or poor glucose regulation, but having those genes doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop the condition. Instead, your lifestyle determines how those genes are expressed.


Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Genetic and Still Preventable?

Yes. You might carry a genetic risk, but that doesn't mean type 2 diabetes is inevitable. So, can type 2 diabetes be genetic and still preventable? Absolutely.

We now understand that lifestyle factors can either trigger or delay the onset of disease. Even if you have a family history, staying active, eating well, and managing your stress can help you avoid developing insulin resistance.

If you’re concerned about your risk, early screening is important. At Evergreen Doctors, we offer advanced testing to assess your metabolic health and help you understand what the cause of type 2 diabetes is in your specific case. Some patients show signs of prediabetes years before symptoms appear, which means early intervention can make a huge difference.


Understanding Genetic Diabetes Risk

The genes associated with type 2 diabetes vary from person to person. They can affect how your pancreas makes insulin, how your cells respond to it, or how your body stores fat. But unlike single-gene disorders, type 2 diabetes is polygenic, meaning it involves many different genes.

This is why personalised care matters. Knowing your genetic risk doesn’t tell you exactly what to do next. A tailored plan based on your hormone levels, blood sugar trends, and lifestyle habits can help you understand how to manage and reduce your risk.

The Role of Functional Medicine in Genetic Diabetes

At Evergreen Doctors, we treat type 2 diabetes as a complex condition influenced by many interconnected systems, not just blood sugar. Our team combines medical diagnostics with functional medicine tools to understand how your genes and environment interact.


This might include:

  • Looking at your cortisol patterns to assess stress-related insulin resistance

  • Analysing your microbiome for gut imbalances that affect glucose metabolism

  • Testing for nutrient deficiencies that influence blood sugar control

  • Identifying chronic inflammation that could worsen insulin sensitivity


This comprehensive approach supports type 2 diabetes reversal in early stages, especially when paired with lifestyle changes.


What Is the Cause of Type 2 Diabetes in Genetically Prone People?

In people with a genetic diabetes predisposition, the cause of type 2 diabetes is usually a combination of factors. These can include:


  • Chronic high intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Chronic stress and poor sleep

  • Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause or thyroid dysfunction)

  • Visceral fat accumulation (fat stored around abdominal organs)


If you have a genetic risk, addressing these causes early is key. Our care team works with you to create a plan that considers your entire health picture, not just your blood sugar.


Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes if It's Genetic?

Here’s the good news: even if your diabetes has a genetic link, you can still take control of your health. So, can you reverse type 2 diabetes if it’s genetic? In many cases, yes—especially if it's caught early.

Lifestyle changes can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and stabilise blood sugar. Many patients who come to us in the early stages can lower their glucose levels and even discontinue medication over time. This process takes commitment and guidance, but the results can be life-changing.

We use personalised data to guide each step, from lab testing and nutrition to hormone balancing and movement plans. If you’re not sure where to start, our team can help you build a strategy based on what your body needs.


Rethinking Genetic Diabetes Risk

You might inherit a predisposition to genetic diabetes, but your daily choices still shape your health. Functional medicine reminds us that even with a diagnosis, there are always areas we can influence.

If you have questions about your risk or want to know what steps to take, our team at Evergreen Doctors is here to help. Whether you're managing symptoms or aiming for type 2 diabetes reversal, we’re committed to working with you toward better health on your terms.

We also encourage you to explore related topics like the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes to understand your condition more fully.


Looking to take the next step? Contact us today to learn how we support patients across every stage of their journey with personalised diabetes care.

Ebony Tosch