WHAT IS MATURITY-ONSET DIABETES OF THE YOUNG (MODY)?

Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young or MODY affects 1-2% of people with diabetes, although it often goes unrecognised.

WHY DOES MODY RUN IN FAMILIES?

MODY runs in families because of a change in a single gene which is passed on by affected parents to their children.  We call this Autosomal Dominant Inheritance.  All children of an affected parent with MODY have a 50% chance of inheriting the affected gene and developing MODY themselves.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RECOGNISE IT?

	There are different types of MODY.  By finding out which type of MODY a person has the most appropriate treatment for them can be determined.
	Knowing the type of MODY a person has also means we can advise them about how their diabetes will progress in the future.
	As it runs in families, it is important to advise other family members of their risk of inheriting it.

WHAT DIFFERENT TYPES OF MODY HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED?

MODY is caused by a change in a single gene.  6 genes have been identified that account for 87% of UK MODY: 

	HNF1-a
	Glucokinase
	HNF1-b (including Renal Cysts and Diabetes (RCAD))
	HNF4-a
	IPF1
	Neuro D1

Changes in these different genes lead to different types of MODY.  For more information about these different types of MODY please click on one of the above.

There are still more genes to identify as 13% of MODY is not yet accounted for.

Click here to download slides on diagnosing MODY

For further information on the clinical implications of a diagnosis of MODY, the following is a useful review:
Murphy R, Ellard S, Hattersley AT. 
Clinical implications of a molecular genetic classification of monogenic beta-cell diabetes. 
Nat Clin Pract Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Apr;4(4):200-13. 

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?

For more information about MODY, please contact either :

Maggie Shepherd  
01392 406772
M.H.Shepherd@exeter.ac.uk

or

Professor Andrew Hattersley
01392 406806
Andrew.Hattersley@pms.ac.uk

or contact your nearest Genetic Diabetes Nurse