MODY
Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)
MODY is a rare form of diabetes that differs from type 1 and type 2 diabetes and runs strongly in families. MODY is caused by a mutation (or change) in a single gene. If a parent has this genetic mutation, the child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. If the child inherits the mutation, they will typically develop MODY before the age of 25, regardless of their weight, lifestyle, etc.
The key characteristics of MODY are:
- Diagnosis of diabetes before the age of 25
- A parent with diabetes
- Insulin treatment is not absolutely necessary.
MODY is very rare; experts estimate that only 1–2% of people with diabetes have it. However, because MODY is so rare, it is estimated that about 90% of people are initially misdiagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Testing for MODY includes:
A blood draw to test for pancreatic antibodies, a blood or urine test for C-peptide (which can be performed by your doctor or at the hospital), and a blood draw for genetic testing.
LADA
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA)
What is LADA?
It is a type of diabetes that falls between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. That is why some people refer to it as type 1.5 diabetes or “one and a half” diabetes.
It is not currently classified as a separate type of diabetes, but medical research is underway to determine exactly what distinguishes it from type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
What are the symptoms of LADA?
The symptoms of LADA are the same as those of type 1 and type 2 diabetes:
- frequent urination
- weight loss
Although being overweight is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, people with LADA are usually of a healthy weight.
Diagnosing LADA
Diagnosing LADA can be difficult, and some people are mistakenly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. If you have LADA, you will usually have antibodies in your blood that are typically found in people with type 1 diabetes. These are detected using a test called the GADA antibody test. It is usually diagnosed in people between the ages of 30 and 50.
Treatment of LADA
LADA has characteristics of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, so treatment usually begins with oral medications—typically metformin—followed by insulin once blood sugar levels start to rise. You’ll usually switch to insulin much sooner than you would if you had type 2 diabetes.
LADA has not yet been recognized as a distinct type of diabetes. Therefore, the most important aspect of treatment is to take all the medications that help you properly control your blood sugar levels. This will help you maintain your well-being in the short term and avoid diabetes complications in the future.
