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Maturity-onset diabetes of the young

Last edited: 4/22/2026

Overview

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) refers to a group of monogenic forms of diabetes characterized by early onset, autosomal dominant inheritance, and specific genetic mutations affecting beta-cell function. MODY subtypes often respond uniquely to therapeutic interventions, particularly sulfonylureas.

Diagnosis

  • Genetic testing identifying mutations in MODY-related genes (ABCC8, HNF1A) 12.
  • Detailed phenotyping including oral glucose tolerance tests and insulin response analysis 1.
  • Elevated fasting glucose levels, typically without ketoacidosis 1.
  • Increased skeletal muscle capillary basement membrane width in younger patients, though not age-dependent thickening 3.
  • Management

  • First-line treatment: Sulfonylurea therapy, particularly effective in ABCC8 and HNF1A-MODY 12.
  • Dose adjustment: Low-dose sulfonylurea often sufficient for stable glycaemic control 1.
  • Monitoring: Regular HbA1c assessments to evaluate long-term glucose control 2.
  • Avoidance: Minimize or discontinue insulin therapy to reduce hypoglycemic risk 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: Specific management strategies not detailed in provided abstracts; individualized care recommended [Expert opinion].
  • Complications: High prevalence of microvascular complications noted, particularly in certain ethnic groups like Indians; macrovascular complications appear less frequent 4.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Initiate sulfonylurea therapy as first-line treatment for ABCC8 and HNF1A-MODY to achieve stable glycaemic control and reduce hypoglycemic events (Evidence: Strong 1).
  • Regular follow-up and monitoring of HbA1c levels are essential to manage glycaemic control effectively in MODY patients (Evidence: Moderate 2).
  • Consider genetic testing early in the diagnostic process to identify specific MODY subtypes and tailor therapy accordingly (Evidence: Moderate 12).
  • References

    1 Reilly F, Sanchez-Lechuga B, Clinton S, Crowe G, Burke M, Ng N et al.. Phenotype, genotype and glycaemic variability in people with activating mutations in the ABCC8 gene: response to appropriate therapy. Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association 2020. link 2 Bacon S, Kyithar MP, Rizvi SR, Donnelly E, McCarthy A, Burke M et al.. Successful maintenance on sulphonylurea therapy and low diabetes complication rates in a HNF1A-MODY cohort. Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association 2016. link 3 Mauer M, Steffes M, Johnson E, Rich S, Hoogwerf B, Chavers B et al.. Skeletal muscle basement membrane in maturity-onset diabetes in the young. Diabetes 1985. link 4 Mohan V, Ramachandran A, Snehalatha C, Mohan R, Bharani G, Viswanathan M. High prevalence of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) among Indians. Diabetes care 1985. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Phenotype, genotype and glycaemic variability in people with activating mutations in the ABCC8 gene: response to appropriate therapy.Reilly F, Sanchez-Lechuga B, Clinton S, Crowe G, Burke M, Ng N et al. Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association (2020)
    2. [2]
      Successful maintenance on sulphonylurea therapy and low diabetes complication rates in a HNF1A-MODY cohort.Bacon S, Kyithar MP, Rizvi SR, Donnelly E, McCarthy A, Burke M et al. Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association (2016)
    3. [3]
      Skeletal muscle basement membrane in maturity-onset diabetes in the young.Mauer M, Steffes M, Johnson E, Rich S, Hoogwerf B, Chavers B et al. Diabetes (1985)
    4. [4]
      High prevalence of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) among Indians.Mohan V, Ramachandran A, Snehalatha C, Mohan R, Bharani G, Viswanathan M Diabetes care (1985)

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