A Special kind of Chromosome

Thinking too much about Biology and my upcoming test, I woke up this morning with my late Grandmother on my mind. Her name was Tillie and she lived to be 98 years old.  She had developed Dementia in her old age, but overall lived a very happy and healthy life.  She had a great personality and I will always remember her as a very kind and caring Grandmother.
  
A few years back before her passing, I remember my mom and dad casually talking about how she 'had developed diabetes' and 'took a daily pill for it.'  ....SHE DID?  It came as a shock to me, because I always thought of Diabetes as a serious disease.  I recall how not so shocked they were because they had adapted the thought that her diabetes was from her 'old age.'  She ate dessert normally (maybe more) and it seemed to be maintained from what I remember.  However, I know wish I knew more than I did on her condition....

Taking a closer look at this, and being enrolled in a Biology class with an emphasize on DNA structure and Chromosomes, I am beginning to realize it was not all about her old age.   Out of the 23 pairs of chromosomes that she had, it was written somewhere that she carried a risk factor for Diabetes. Her DNA sent messages with mRNA and the protein did not translate properly.  (OK I know that sounded smart but it is actually confusing, right?) Could it possibly be how I ended up with Diabetes?  I carry some of her same genes and Chromosomes.  Not to mention, she is the only link in my family who was affected.  Out of 14+ Aunts and Uncles and 20+ cousins, she was the only person... and now me.

I can't really call my disease 'special' but it does make me think of her more often and the Chromosome we possibly share....