A doctor has highlighted three health conditions that can be passed down through families.
There are countless illnesses and disorders that can affect our wellbeing, and many of them can feel frightening to think about.
Some conditions are linked to lifestyle choices, others develop due to environmental factors, and some appear with little obvious cause at all.
However, genetics can also play a major role in shaping what we may be more likely to experience during our lives.
Because of that, having a parent or grandparent with a particular condition can increase your chances of developing it compared with someone with no family history.
That said, heredity is not destiny: a higher risk doesn’t mean you will definitely develop a condition, and a lack of family history doesn’t guarantee you won’t.
Here are three conditions influenced by genetics, according to Dr Clair Grainger from Superdrug Online Doctor.
Diabetes generally falls into two main types. One is strongly tied to lifestyle factors as well as inherited risk, while the other stems from an autoimmune process.
Dr Grainger said: “Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common conditions with a hereditary component.
While lifestyle factors such as diet, weight and physical activity play a significant role, genetics can increase susceptibility.”
Dr Grainger added: “That doesn’t mean it’s inevitable, but it does mean you should be proactive about regular health checks, maintaining a healthy weight and monitoring symptoms such as increased thirst, fatigue or frequent urination.”
Asthma is a widespread respiratory condition that can make breathing difficult, often causing symptoms like chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing.
Its impact varies widely, with some people experiencing occasional mild issues while others deal with much more serious attacks.
“Asthma is another condition that frequently runs in families,” said Dr Grainger. “Research shows that children are more likely to develop asthma if one or both parents are affected. Asthma has a strong genetic component.”
Genetics may also influence related allergic conditions that commonly overlap with asthma.
“If your parents have asthma, hay fever or eczema, you may have a higher likelihood of developing respiratory or allergic conditions,” said Dr Grainger.
“Early diagnosis and having the right treatment plan in place can make a significant difference to quality of life.”
Acne is often associated with the teenage years, but for many people it doesn’t stop there and can continue well into adulthood.
While factors such as skincare habits and diet are often discussed, inherited traits can also influence who is affected and how intense flare-ups may be.
“Acne is often dismissed as a rite of passage during adolescence, but genetics can play a significant role in who develops it and how severe it becomes,” said Dr Grainger.
“Many people don’t realise that acne can run in families. If your parents experienced persistent or adult acne, there’s a higher chance you may too. Genetics can influence everything from oil production to how your skin responds to bacteria and inflammation.”