Diabetes at Young Age: Understanding MODY, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and More

Diabetes in Young Age: MODY, or Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, is an uncommon kind of diabetes that develops at a young age, usually before the age of 25, but sometimes as late as 40 years. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, which requires lifelong insulin therapy, MODY is usually milder and can be easily treated with oral medicines. However, some kinds of MODY require insulin, and the risk of consequences varies depending on the type. MODY patients typically have maintained insulin production, as seen by normal or elevated C-peptide values. MODY is commonly misinterpreted as Type 1 diabetes because it appears at a young age; however, unlike Type 1, MODY is often hereditary and may be managed without insulin in many cases.

Types of MODY

MODY is classified into various subgroups, each with a unique clinical presentation and accompanying characteristics. MODY-2, for example, is frequently characterised by mild, asymptomatic hyperglycemia, but MODY-5 has been linked to infertility, pancreatic cysts, and renal abnormalities in men and women. In cases of suspected MODY, particularly when diabetes occurs early in infancy and in subsequent generations without obesity, genetic testing is critical for confirmation and treatment guidance. Accurate diagnosis is vital because it allows for more tailored therapy—some types can be managed with pills, while others may require insulin. Furthermore, recognising MODY can help to avoid misclassification and needless insulin administration, emphasising the importance of having a thorough family history.