Diabetes mellitus in the family: perceptions of offspring's risk

Aims The study aimed to explore the beliefs and concerns of people with Typ e 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) about their children's risk of developing the di sease and the possibilities for prevention. Methods Questionnaires were posted to all patients with Type 2 DM in four r andomly selected general practices in South London. Two hundred and thirtee n (73%) responded. The main outcome measures were: estimated risk of Type 2 DM in their offspring; worry about diabetes in their offspring; knowledge about the possibilities for prevention of Type 2 DM and its complications. Results Of the 159 respondents with children, at least 35% and perhaps as m any as 64% underestimated the risk of their offspring developing Type 2 DM; 44% thought it possible to reduce the risk of Type 2 DM and its complicati ons; 28% thought altering diet and 6% taking exercise might be useful preve ntive strategies; 49% worried about their children developing diabetes. Conclusions Although risk of Type 2 DM was underestimated for their childre n and little was known about prevention, about half of the respondents worr ied about their children developing diabetes. Education and counselling abo ut risk and prevention are needed. This is important in view of growing int erest in and opportunities for both the primary and secondary prevention of Type 2 DM.