My Futura Genetics Results & Why You Might Want To Take The Test

Last week I was approached by a representative for Futura Genetics, a genetics testing company that tells you all about your health risks. They noticed that I took the 23 and Me Ancestry test and offered for me to use their service at no cost because they thought it may be of interest to myself and my blogging community. They did not ask for a review in return, but I did want to share my results on the blog because I feel that it could be really helpful for people who have been considering taking a genetics test or who have ever wondered about them. Personally, I have been going back and forth on it for the past few months ever since taking my 23 and Me test. Futura Genetics is an up and coming company, that already has positive reviews with Forbes and other reputable companies so I was not worried about submitting my genetic data to them. 

With Futura Genetics, if you have taken the 23 and Me test all you need to do to get results is request your raw genome data from 23 and Me, download the data, and then upload it to your Futura Genetics account. Within moments you will get your results sent to you in an easy-to-read PDF. If you did not use 23 and Me, you can still take a test, but you will have to take the long way and request a DNA kit. 

Some people are interested in taking the test, others are completely against it, while many of us are somewhere in between. Sure, it can be uncomfortable and perhaps even paranoid to want to know what diseases you’re genetically likely to develop. Some people would rather not know. That is perfectly ok. Most of us know our family risk from experience. This test can be really helpful for someone who does not know their family history. It can also empower and encourage you to make lifestyle choices to better your future. 

One of the things I have learned is that your environment and lifestyle factors play the largest role in the illnesses we may develop and our quality of life. Although genetic predisposition can play a major role, our genetics are not our destiny. We have the power to change our health and our future health by making positive choices for our wellness right now and maintaining it. 

So we all know that eating healthy foods, getting expertise, reducing stress, getting proper sleep and rest, and avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and harmful chemicals are the best ways to remain healthy. No matter what your genetics are, these healthy living rules make the biggest impact. So why even take the test? I was in this boat of thought myself. If we follow the healthy living rules, we should be fine, so why even bother? Now that I have taken the test, I have actually changed my mind and I will tell you why. 

The test tells you what your likelihood of developing major diseases are and compares it to the average human’s risk in an easy to read format. Genetically, I was close to the average for just about everything, even below the average for many risks including heart related illnesses. 

These were my at risk results (I will be sharing just a few of my many results). 

I already knew my father’s side of the family had a high risk of Alzheimer’s disease, but my mother’s side lived long lives with sharp minds. Because of this risk I do my best to limit my sugar intake, get exercise, and keep my mind active. The average risk is 20%. My risk: 38%. Thankfully, it is not a 50/50 or greater chance. This was confirmed for me, in a way that empowered me to make healthy choices, but also not to be afraid. I feel like this is something I can manage with healthy choices now. 

Then came the surprises.

My risk of Alopecia (hair loss): 60%. The average risk: 38%. This was bad news for a woman who has long hair. The only recommendation they have for this condition is to seek early treatment. Of course, just because I have the genes does not mean I will actually develop it. This is where the empowerment comes in; because Alopecia cannot be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, your best course of action is in fact knowing ahead of time early enough to seek treatment when or if you notice the signs. Now, if I ever do notice any symptoms as I age, I can seek treatment immediately instead of waiting too long. 

My risk for breast cancer was matched with the average and my risk for heart disease was thankfully well below average. I know that this is most women’s main reason for taking this test.

I also have a slightly higher risk of an aneurism (which I knew from my family history). The great part about this test is that it lists ways you can prevent it form occurring. Avoiding cigarettes and alcohol consumption can lower my risk as well as managing my blood pressure and stress. (Which is good news because I do not smoke and barely drink.) That actually feels really good instead of being scary to know. 

This test was spot on with my migraines. I’m at a 53% risk next to the 43% average. This is pretty accurate! Although I do get migraines, I’m fortunate to usually have temporary vision loss, auras, confusion, and fogginess instead of extreme pain. 

These two were the biggest shocks:

I am at an 80% risk of obesity compared to the average risk of 38%! I’m petite and people often consider me to be really thin so this was one of the most shocking finds! Of course, genetics is not destiny. If you eat healthy, get exercise, and reduce your stress, the risk for this is very unlikely. Still, it is a great reminder to stick to my good habits!

The greatest shock of all was my 90% risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. In case you’re wondering, the average is only 39%. After doing a little research, I discovered that it is possible to be thin and develop this disease. The test also tells me that this can be prevented or managed by managing my weight, eating healthy, and getting plenty of exercise. Again, that seems to be the magic recipe for avoiding most diseases. Now I’m a little bit more careful about my sugary food consumption. 

I am so thankful for having the opportunity to take this test. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I was at risk for Type 2 Diabetes, especially at my current weight. In fact, it very much could be the reason why I often feel so fatigued all of the time and have felt this way for years despite a healthy weight, sleep, and exercise. It gave me something to speak with my doctor about when I go in for my annual check up this year. 

Overall, I wouldn’t tell anyone that they should or should not take the test. If you do not know your family history, it could be vital in preventing various conditions and diseases down the road. If you’re dead set against taking the test, then don’t be pressured into it. We all know that the best way to manage your health is to live a healthy lifestyle. heck out the Futura Genetics website to learn more about the test itself. If you can manage to do that your entire life through, then you have very little to be worried about.