Genetic testing

(Emilia Andersson Fd Leffler) #1

Hi
Anyone who can give advice on genetic testing? I searched 23andme but there are several different kits and they seem to focus on specific questions like ancestry or risk for specific diseases. Which test should I choose if I want to understand my genetic profile for glucose and fat metabolism as well as mutations that might affect my overall wellbeing? E.g. I seem to react adversely to gluten but I’m not gluten intolerant, at least I don’t have any antibodies.

(Consensus is Politics) #2

That profile picture is so full of cuteness I have no choice but to reply. Sad thing is, I’m so pessimistic about all of the genetic testing schemes out there it borders on tin foil hat territory. :cowboy_hat_face:

So, not to sway you away from it, in my opinion it could also come back to bite you. I have heard that those testing companies share (read sell) your information to insurance companies. Insurance companies in turn use the information to judge you based of genetics how much for coverage or to even cover you. I don’t have a problem with them doing that if they are up front about it and require it for all of their customers. But they don’t. So it rubs me the wrong way.
[steps off soap box]

Personally I would stay away from the at home testing companies. I would encourage doing it with a medical provider. I suggest this for two reasons.

First: they shouldn’t be selling it. It should be kept private. There are already laws for guidance on this. Let’s hope it stays that way.

Second: gives your provider instant access to anything and everything related to your health. If there was a red flag, they’d see it now, not later after everything has gone through the mail system, gotten lost, found, lost again, resubmitted, lost again, found again, sent to the wrong address, opened by the wrong parties in room 42.

Yes. I do tend to look at things through green colored glass instead of rose colored glasses. Murphy’s Law is the same as the Laws of Physics to me. If it can happen, it will, and at the worst possible time.