Genetic tests are laboratory tests used to detect potential problems in a person’s genes that may show a risk for or the presence of certain medical conditions.

Scientists are working on genetic testing for diabetes. It has already been developed for some forms of diabetes, diabetic complications and risk factors, including:

• Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)
• Some variations of diabetes in infants
• Wolfram syndrome
• Diabetic heart disease
• Diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma
• Several forms of insulin resistance
• Cystic fibrosis
• Celiac disease (gluten intolerance)
• Hereditary pancreatitis
• Hemochromatosis (“bronze diabetes”)

It is important to note that most genetic tests can show only an increased risk for a disease and with rare exceptions do not indicate that it will develop. Genetic counseling is advised for people considering or undergoing such tests to help them understand the implications.

Many genetic tests are blood tests. Others are based on samples of urine, cells from inside the cheek, skin cells, hair, bone marrow, or the amniotic fluid or placenta tissue of pregnant women.

Some of the tests can be analyzed at a general medical laboratory, but others must be sent to a specialized genetics lab. There are also kits available for use at home, but their reliability is unknown, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not recommend them.