In addition to Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes, there are a range of other types, which are just as important. If you add up everyone with the rarer types of diabetes together that’s quite a lot of people. Unfortunately, many of these people are misdiagnosed leading to delays in getting the right treatment. We’re proud of the research we have supported to ensure better diagnosis and treatments for all types of diabetes, and it’s taught us a lot about the condition.
Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY)
MODY is a rare form of diabetes which is different from both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and runs strongly in families. MODY is caused by a mutation (or change) in a single gene. If a parent has this gene mutation, any child they have, has a 50 per cent chance of inheriting it from them. If a child does inherit the mutation they will generally go on to develop MODY before they’re 25, whatever their weight, lifestyle, ethnic group etc.
Neonatal diabetes
Neonatal diabetes is a form of diabetes that is diagnosed under the age of six months. It’s a different type of diabetes than the more common Type 1 diabetes as it’s not an autoimmune condition (where the body has destroyed its insulin producing cells).
Wolfram Syndrome
Wolfram Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder which is also known as DIDMOAD syndrome after its four most common features (Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy and Deafness).
Alström Syndrome
Alström Syndrome is a rare genetically inherited syndrome which has a number of common features.
