Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY)

Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) - Now called Monogenic Diabetes
MODY 2 and MODY 3 are the most common forms. The severity of the different types varies considerably, but most commonly MODY acts like a very mild version of type 1 diabetes, with continued partial insulin production and normal insulin sensitivity. MODY is not type 2 diabetes in a young person, as might erroneously be inferred from the name.

Treatment

In some forms of MODY, standard treatment is appropriate, though exceptions occur:

• In MODY2, oral agents are relatively ineffective and insulin is unnecessary.
• In MODY1 and MODY3, insulin may be more effective than drugs to increase insulin sensitivity.

The following characteristics suggest the possibility of a diagnosis of MODY in hyperglycemic and diabetic patients:

• Mild to moderate hyperglycemia (typically 130–250 mg/dl, or 7-14 mM/L) discovered before 30 years of age. However, anyone under 50 can develop MODY.
• A first-degree relative with a similar degree of diabetes.
• Absence of positive antibodies or other autoimmunity (e.g., thyroiditis) in patient and family.
• Persistence of a low insulin requirement (e.g., less than 0.5 u/kg/day) past the usual "honeymoon" period.
• Absence of obesity (although overweight or obese people can get MODY), or other problems associated with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidemia, polycystic ovary syndrome).
• Insulin resistance very rarely happens.