Objective: To analyze the inheritance character of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pedigrees.
Methods: 4468 persons from 715 T2DM pedigrees (including the spouses) undergo peripheral blood sample collection to examine blood sugar and physical examination. Questionnaire survey was conducted to explore the family history. Type 1 DM and maturity-onset DM of young people were to be ruled out. Pedigree chart were made.
Results: The prevalence rates of T2DM and impaired glucose regulation (IGR) was 47.62%, including 218 T2DM and 422 IGR newly discovered. The prevalence rates of T2DM and IGR were 38.33% and 14.25% in the siblings, and 56.81% and 12.58% in the parents, all significantly higher than those in the second-degree relatives (9.55% and 6.10%) and spouses (10.57% and 9.55% respectively, all P < 0.01). The prevalence and newly discovered rates of IGR in the offspring were 12.46% and 11.73% respectively, both significantly higher than those in the spouses (9.55% and 9.55% respectively, all P < 0.01).
Conclusion: There is significant familial aggregation in T2DM. The first-degree relatives of T2DM patients are high risk populations, so long term monitoring and early screening should be performed.