MODY

The most common MODY type is HNF1 alpha. This is responsible for 70% of MODY.

The amount of insulin produced by the pancreas becomes less as the person gets older, and MODY develops during adolescence or the early twenties.

Glucokinase is the second type of MODY, and occurs when this gene (that aids the body in recognising blood glucose levels) malfunctions.

This type of MODY can be hard to identify, and symptoms can be particularly slow in manifesting themselves.

It is usually picked up during routine testing. When a person is pregnant, it is important to screen for it.

HNF4 - alpha is a less common form of MODY that is often diagnosed at a later stage. HNF1 - beta is a type of MODY associated with renal cysts.

PDX1 and IPF1 are the same type of MODY, and are incredibly rare, affecting only one UK family to date.

NeuroD1 is another rare type of MODY, affecting only two families in the UK. Little information is available about the rarer forms of MODY.