While there is a genetic component to type 1 diabetes, environmental factors play a role as well. Research suggests that genes account for less than half of the risk for developing type 1 diabetes. 90% of children who develop type 1 diabetes do not have a relative with this disease, and it is reported that only 15% of people with type 1 diabetes have a first-degree relative, such as a parent, with diabetes. There are certain genes called HLA markers associated with diabetes risk, which can be identified at birth. Research is ongoing and very active in the field of diabetes and genetic markers, so updated information could be available in the near future.