re a 2 | A |g A New Focus On A Different Type Of Diabetes (NAPSA)—While the media has focused much of its attention on the steady rise of diabetes in the U.S.—type 2 in particular— one form of the disease gets less coverage: monogenic diabetes. Monogenic diabetes is a rare condition resulting from changes in a single gene. It appears in several forms: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)is the most common form. It usually first occurs in children or teenagers but some- times is not found until adulthood. Neonatal diabetes, the second common form of monogenic diabetes, occurs in the first six months of life. Sometimes, neona- a Wye a" ES Properly diagnosing monogenic diabetes requires the involvementof a specialist. A family history of diabetes, especially when a parent is affected; Normal weight in the patient or in family members who have diabetes. Genetic Testing And Treatment A correct diagnosis of monogenic diabetes can lead to more effective, individualized treatment and better long-term tal diabetes is permanent; other times, it goes away during infancy and returnslater inlife. Factors to Consider Manypeople with monogenic diabetes are mistakenly diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. There are several important differences, however. Unlike type 1 and type 2, monogenic diabetes is usually inherited. It is not related to being overweight or obese, as type 2 diabetes often is. Factors that may lead doctors to suspect monogenic diabetes include: The presence of other condi- Testing of the genetic information in a blood sample can determine whether a person has a gene causing MODYor neonatal diabetes. Only a specialist, such as an endocrinologist specializing in diabetes, can diagnose monogenic diabetes. as cysts in the kidneys; at www.hormone.org. tions related to the disease, such health. Diet, exercise, insulin and oral medications are all possible treatments. To learn more, visit the website
