3/2007Maturity onset diabetes mellitus of the young (MODY) in paediatrics

EWA DRABIK-DANIS (Katedra i Zakład Medycyny Rodzinnej Akademii Medycznej we Wrocławiu;Kierownik: prof. dr hab. med. Andrzej Steciwko)

Summary
A big progress has been done recently in recognizing diabetes mellitus in children and teenagers which is neither type 1 nor type 2 of this disease. Rare form of diabetes – MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) is described in details. The form is typical for adults but children and teenagers are involved. Characteristic of this different syndrome, its symptoms, course and the picture of typical child being sick of MODY are described. For pediatricians and family doctors genetic aspects are particularly important in diabetes MODY. What was still impossible several years ago, now due to this knowledge we can recognize type and kind of MODY, we can forecast the development of the disease for patient, for family and its children and to find the proper treatment. The role of genetic testing in monogenic forms of diabetes will grow. There are new challenges for endocrinologists, pediatricians, and family doctors to know and understand changes which are going on. Particularly significant are growing possibilities of optimal choice of the therapy depending on genetic diagnosis. It offers a chance to increase quality of life and economy of treatment.

Key words: diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2 in children, MODY, genetic testing