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Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) is a rare form of diabetes mellitus primarily caused by mitochondrial DNA mutations, often linked to m.3243G>A in the MT-TL1 gene. It typically presents with early-onset diabetes and sensorineural hearing loss, predominantly affecting women 1.

Diagnosis

  • Genetic Testing: Identification of mitochondrial DNA mutations, particularly m.3243G>A 1.
  • Clinical Criteria: Presence of diabetes mellitus and sensorineural hearing loss, often with maternal inheritance pattern 1.
  • Hearing Assessment: Audiograms to confirm sensorineural hearing loss 1.
  • Metabolic Testing: Fasting glucose and HbA1c levels to assess glycemic control 1.
  • Management

  • Glycemic Control: Insulin therapy is often required due to insulin resistance or deficiency 1.
  • Diet and Lifestyle: Dietary modifications and regular physical activity to manage blood glucose levels 1.
  • Hearing Management: Regular audiological evaluations and use of hearing aids as needed 1.
  • Cardiovascular Monitoring: Given potential for cardiovascular complications, regular monitoring of cardiovascular health 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: Close monitoring of glycemic control and potential complications; individualized management plans are crucial 1.
  • Comorbidities: Attention to coexisting conditions like cardiovascular disease, requiring multidisciplinary care 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Genetic Testing for Diagnosis: Confirm diagnosis through mitochondrial DNA mutation analysis, particularly m.3243G>A (Evidence: Strong 1).
  • Insulin Therapy for Glycemic Control: Initiate insulin therapy as first-line treatment for managing diabetes (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Regular Audiological Assessments: Schedule frequent hearing evaluations to manage sensorineural hearing loss (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • References

    1 Lopez Santibanez Jacome L, Dellefave-Castillo LM, Wicklund CA, Scherr CL, Duquette D, Webster G et al.. Practitioners' Confidence and Desires for Education in Cardiovascular and Sudden Cardiac Death Genetics. Journal of the American Heart Association 2022. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Practitioners' Confidence and Desires for Education in Cardiovascular and Sudden Cardiac Death Genetics.Lopez Santibanez Jacome L, Dellefave-Castillo LM, Wicklund CA, Scherr CL, Duquette D, Webster G et al. Journal of the American Heart Association (2022)

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