This August started with a bang for me. In early July I ordered an at-home DNA kit from SelfDecode. I wanted to learn more about my genetic code in order to get a better grasp on current dispositions to all of the modes of treatment I've been experimenting with.
For example:
Am I genetically inclined to iron overload?
Do I have any resistance to absorbing specific nutrients?
Are there any gene abnormalities relating to my immune function?
What about the specific "diabetes" genes? Do I have those?
Before I even sent my sample back to the lab I was swimming in a sea of questions. Fast forward 3 weeks and everything I had ever asked for was uploaded to my online dashboard.
My response: OVERWHELMED. Sick. Anxious. Hesitantly curious.
The service provided by SelfDecode truly is comprehensive and incredibly detailed. I underestimated how much information there was. And so I found myself dredging as many helpful bits and pieces of information from this sea of DNA as I could.
Now I may be making it sound like SelfDecode just dumps a bunch of code in a .pdf file and wishes you best. That's not it. They give dietary information regarding your current nutrient profiles, your ideal macronutrient breakdown and vitamins and minerals you're more apt to be deficient in.
They highlight moderate and high risk SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in your DNA code for a wide range of disorders. From things as mundane as acne and sweating, all the way to serious conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer.
Along with some lifestyle questionnaires, they determine your cumulative risk for different conditions.
At face value, a lot of what the DNA was showing me was not a surprise. My grandparents had run-ins with cancer and dementia. Mental health issues are strung throughout my family tree.
But some of it was surprising. During my onboarding I had noted that I had type 1 diabetes and, thus, I expected to have the red alarms sound for whatever components of blood sugar control they might have.
No alarms whatsoever. Each facet of diabetes I expected to hear about, at most, said that I was at moderate risk and, at least, didn't mention it or noted the opposite of what I expected (turns out I'm genetically susceptible to low blood sugar. HA!).
Yet, the more digging I did through the information the more yellow and orange flags I found that warranted red flag attention.
Predisposed to DECREASED GLP-1 Levels
GLP-1 is a peptide naturally made in the gut that aids in glucose metabolism. It protects and enhances insulin production and moderates the liver's production of glycogen. Common pharmaceuticals like Ozempic and Trulicity target the GLP-1 pathways.
Predisposed to HIGH lipase levels
Indicative of pancreatic inflammation
Decreased pancreatic enzymes
Compromised Gallbladder Action/Naturally high uric acid
Indicates gallbladder dysfunction, improper fat digestion and higher likelihood of forming gallstones
Predisposed to HIGHER cortisol levels
Fight-or-flight hormone lends itself to overactive sympathetic nervous system
Ties to immunocompromised states
More likely to get a GI infection
More likely to have invasive and non-native microbes
Indicates possible malnutrition, chronic stress and antibiotic use
Likely higher FOXO1 activity
Three variants (that I have) put me at higher risk for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Lower PPM1K activity
This gene is tied to the body's ability to metabolize branched chain amino-acids (BCAAs). High levels of BCAAs can lead to insulin resistance. Those with the genetic variant I tested for are 20% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Respond poorly to high protein diets
You can see in the insert above that its recommended I get only 15% of my daily calories from protein.
So no, technically, I didn't test for any of the high priority markers for diabetes. But when you look at the composite of the lesser, more marginally impactful factors in blood glucose, there is definitely a trail of breadcrumbs.
I thought it fascinating that my DNA seemed to spell out my predisposition to type 2 diabetes more so than type 1. My type 1 may be the result of an environmental factor that invaded my body and found things arranged in an opportunistic way.
Next up I went to iron overload. Given my fascination with iron recycling I wanted to see if I tested for any of the mutations linked to hemochromatosis. The HFE gene and C282Y genes are the two I'm most familiar with in my reading.
Survey said... NOPE.
No mutations on the HFE gene and only a carrier for the C282Y gene. Interesting!
Does this mean my blood donations and copper regimen were in vain? No, not at all. Because just like with the diabetes markers, while I did not have the major markers for iron dysregulation, there were a number of smaller components that showed my body did have a tendency towards mishandling iron.
Here are a few:
TMPRSS6 Mutation
Those with this mutation are at a higher risk of elevated hepcidin levels. High hepcidin leads to more iron being locked in storage in the body (and resulting in higher rates of inflammation). I've covered extensively how beta cells are one of a few cell types in the body that have hepcidin.
H63D, C282Y carrier
While I don't carry both alleles for these specific mutations linked to hemochromatosis, I am a carrier for both which increases my likelihood of a mild form of iron overload.
H63D is also known as rs1799945.
It seems to me that I have predispositions to iron overload that in isolation aren't enough to cause it, but given the right environmental factors could lead to its development.
As for other points of interest: 1. I'm predisposed to low iodine absorption (which elevates my risk of thyroid disorders)
2. My gut is more prone to infection (still trying to figure out why)
3. My vitamin D receptors are down-regulated, meaning I'm not nearly as sensitive to vitamin D
4. My blood clotting factors are askew. I'm prone to heart and brain ailments.
I'm curious if this has something to do with my vitamin D status (probably...)
5. It said I had several immunity and infection risks. Things like herpes, the flu, acute bronchitis etc. Still investigating but there's something immune-centric going on here.
That's it for now. Thanks for reading and I'll keep updating this as more things come into focus.
Cheers
Bowie
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