Optimising healthcare by looking at DNA

The human genome – a complete set of instructions required to create a human being – contains enough genetic information to fill 200 books of 1 000 pages each. This genetic information, which includes our DNA, offers a wealth of information that can play a significant role in managing your health.

To better understand the details in our DNA, scientists developed a test to identify changes in the genes, chromosomes, or proteins of patients that put them at greater risk of developing diseases. This allows healthcare professionals to detect diseases such as cancer, heart conditions, and Alzheimer’s earlier and work out a preventive treatment programme. DNA tests also make it possible to learn more about hereditary conditions when planning or treating a pregnancy.  

Pharmacogenomics 
DNA tests not only predict a patient’s chance of getting a certain disease but also how a patient’s body will react to treatments and medication. Drug-gene testing or pharmacogenomics helps healthcare professionals to determine what medication and dosage are ideally suited for each individual. It can help prevents the prescribing of medicine that may have serious side effects or little benefit to a patient. Also, it assists in treating already-diagnosed diseases more effectively with the right medicine, at the right dose.

Venturing into drug-gene testing
In 2024, Medihelp, in partnership with Intelligene (a South African medical bio-tech company) will be using drug-gene testing to assist qualifying, high-risk patients in managing their conditions. If a member qualifies, a Medihelp representative will contact them and inform them about the test. In this instance, the test will be funded from their core benefit. However, any member on the MedSaver option will be able to fund the gene test from their savings account.

Specialising in genetic testing, Intelligene will arrange for the gene test and make the results available on an app.

The results will assist the patient’s healthcare professional to tailor a personalised treatment plan geared towards optimal results that has the best chance of achieving good outcomes for the patient’s chronic condition(s).

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/gtesting/genetic_testing.htm
https://www.add-life.org/blog/disease-prevention-nutrition-how-dna-testing-can-help- improve-your-health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3299179/
https://dnatesting.com/dna-facts-that-just-may-shock-you/