Diabetes MODY, short for Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, has formally been recognised as type 5 diabetes.
Type 5 diabetes is more likely to be inherited than other forms of diabetes, as it is strongly linked to genetics.
MODY is sometimes compared to type 2 diabetes, and shares some type 2 diabetes symptoms.
People with MODY are often young and not necessarily overweight.
What is MODY diabetes?
MODY affects around one or two per cent of people with diabetes and may go unrecognised in its early stages.
It usually develops before the age of 25 and runs in families. MODY is not always treated with insulin.
It also runs in families, and can pass from one generation to the next. MODY does not always require insulin treatment.
Why is MODY inherited so easily?
MODY is caused by a change in a single gene. Each child of an affected parent has a 50 per cent chance of inheriting the gene and developing MODY.
Why MODY is different from other types of diabetes
Understanding MODY, including its different forms, helps people get the right treatment.
It also provides useful information about how the condition may progress and whether other family members are at risk.
What are the different types of MODY?
The most common type is HNF1 alpha, which accounts for about 70 per cent of MODY cases. Insulin production reduces over time, and symptoms usually appear during the teenage years or early twenties.
Glucokinase MODY is the second most common type. It happens when a gene that helps the body sense blood glucose levels does not work properly. This form is often identified during routine blood tests, such as during pregnancy.
HNF4 alpha is a less common form of MODY, often diagnosed later in life. HNF1 beta is associated with kidney cysts and other kidney problems.
PDX1 (also known as IPF1) is extremely rare, with only one known family in the UK affected.
NeuroD1 is another rare type, reported in only two families in the UK. There is limited information on the rarest forms of MODY.
HNF4 – alpha is a less common form of MODY that is often diagnosed at a later stage. HNF1 – beta is a type of MODY associated with renal cysts.
PDX1 and IPF1 are the same type of MODY, and are incredibly rare, affecting only one UK family to date.
NeuroD1 is another rare type of MODY, affecting only two families in the UK. Little information is available about the rarer forms of MODY.
What complications are caused by MODY?
MODY can lead to complications, just like other types of diabetes if not controlled.
Careful management and regular monitoring are essential to reduce the risk of health problems.
I am worried I might have MODY, what should I do?
If you are concerned you may have MODY, speak to your GP as soon as possible.
A genetic test may be recommended, especially if there is a strong family history of diabetes diagnosed at a young age.
