Diabetes - Monogenic Diabetes
Background
Monogenic Diabetes (diabetes caused by a change in a single gene) affects 20,000-40,0000 people or 1-2% of cases of diabetes in the UK. The majority of cases are initially misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2. However genetic testing can be used to accurately diagnose monogenic types of diabetes. This is important as it can predict the clinical course of the diabetes, explain other symptoms, guide appropriate treatment and enable genetic counselling of family members. Many patients with a confirmed molecular genetic diagnosis have been able to stop insulin and achieve better blood glucose control and quality of life on sulphonylurea tablets.