Family history of diabetes and its effect on treatment outcome in type II diabetes

This study was designed to determine whether family history of diabetes affects the response to a therapeutic intervention in obese Type II diabetic patients. Seventy-seven Type II diabetics were treated in a 12-16 week behavioral weight control program with follow-up one year later. No significant differences in weight loss or glycemic responses were observed between patients with and without a first degree relative with diabetes, or between patients with 0, 1, or 2 diabetic parents. Although family history of Type II diabetes affects the chances of developing the disease, these data suggest that family history does not affect the response to treatment.