Pancreatitis: Facts and Fiction
Pancreatitis can be a long-lasting condition where the health of the pancreas worsens over time. In our April 2020 webinar, Pancreatitis: Facts & Fiction, we review some of the common misperceptions about this complex condition. This presentation is led by world-renowned pancreas expert and Ariel Co-Founder, Dr. David Whitcomb and Dr. Mark Haupt. Do You […]
How Genetics Can Contribute to Pancreatitis
Every year, more than 300,000 Americans are diagnosed with acute or chronic pancreatitis. Did you know that many complex, chronic disorders such as pancreatitis, don’t have a single cause, and in many cases are un-explained? While most severe cases of pancreatitis are due to gallstones or alcohol abuse, sometimes genetics and other unknown factors are to […]
DNA, Genes, & Chromosomes
Table of Contents Introduction Learning about human genetics can seem to be a daunting task. However, by breaking down the information into smaller pieces, we can make sense of it! Biological life is built upon four major classes of molecules that exist in all of the cells of your body: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic […]
What is a Polygenic Risk Score?
Table of Contents What is a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS)? If you or someone you know is considering genetic testing, you may encounter some new and unfamiliar terms. Most genetic tests ordered through a healthcare provider look for rare, or uncommon changes in your DNA (genetic variants) that may cause single-gene diseases. However, most diseases, […]
How a Genetic Counselor Can Help You Navigate Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can be confusing. It is a rapidly changing field with a lot of terms and concepts that the average person doesn’t encounter often in everyday life. Sometimes the implications of test results are life-changing not only for the person tested, but also for their family. It can be challenging to navigate the testing […]
Why Are Some Genetic Risk Variants So Common?
From a genetic standpoint, humans are overwhelmingly similar. If you compare the DNA of two randomly chosen people, you’ll find that it is 99.9% identical. The variability in the remaining 0.1% is why we have differences in eye color, height, and the ability to digest milk into adulthood. This 0.1% is also why we have […]
Mother’s Day Genetics: How long does a mother “carry” a child?
On the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day celebrates the women who care for us, the maternal bonds between mother and child, and the influence of mothers in society. Mothers come in all forms and what they instill in their children goes far beyond the childrens’ genetics. The founder of Mother’s Day in the US, […]
How Does Diabetes Increase Risk for Pancreatitis?
For the average person, the chance of getting acute pancreatitis is between 5 and 35 in 100,000 per year. The chance of chronic pancreatitis is between 5 and 12 in 100,000 per year. Relative to people without diabetes, people with diabetes have a 1.74-fold increased risk of acute pancreatitis, and 1.4-fold increased risk for chronic […]