MATURITY ONSET DIABETES OF THE YOUNG

Abstract

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), named also as “genetic defects of cell function”, is a type of diabetes mellitus determined by a single mutation of a single gene. There are nine known genes that lead to the occurrence of different subtypes of MODY, with different phenotype and prognosis. When diabetes mellitus is diagnosed during pregnancy, one has to think about the possibility that this is a MODY type (frequent determined by glucokinase mutations). The therapy ranges from diet only to diet and insulin therapy, the aim being a good glycemic control in order to prevent chronic complications. It is important to diagnose MODY because this implies a correct therapy, prognosis and genetic advice for both patient and family members.