Other Rare Diabetes

By

MODY (Mature-Onset Diabetes of the Young)

  • Autosomal dominant inheritance.
  • Onset typically before age 25.
  • Often misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
  • Subtypes (e.g., HNF1A, HNF4A, GCK) require specific management (e.g., sulfonylureas for HNF1A, no treatment for GCK-MODY with mild hyperglycemia).
  • Rationale: Genetic basis necessitates tailored therapy.
  • Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (NDM)
  • Diagnosis before 6 months of age.
  • Permanent or transient forms (e.g., KCNJ11, ABCC8 mutations).
  • Transient NDM may resolve, but permanent NDM requires lifelong insulin.
  • Rationale: Genetic testing is critical for management.
  • Ketosis-Prone Diabetes (KPD)
  • African American/Asian heritage common.
  • Presents with DKA but may achieve remission off insulin.
  • Associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and b-cell dysfunction.
  • Rationale: Distinct from type 1/2; requires careful monitoring for relapse.
  • Idiopathic Type 1 Diabetes
  • Insulinopenia, DKA risk, no autoantibodies.
  • Rare; diagnosis of exclusion.
  • Rationale: Lack of autoimmunity complicates classification.
  • Other Genetic Forms
  • Mitochondrial diabetes, Wolfram syndrome, etc.
  • Rationale: Multisystem involvement necessitates interdisciplinary care.

Key Considerations:

  • Genetic testing for atypical presentations.
  • Avoid misdiagnosis leading to inappropriate therapy (e.g., insulin in GCK-MODY).
  • Multidisciplinary approach for syndromic diabetes.

Source: ADA 2026 Standards of Care (Section 15, Diabetes Care 2026).