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Pediatric Monogenic Diabetes: A Unique Challenge and Opportunity
Insights
Monogenic diabetes, often misdiagnosed in children, includes congenital diabetes and MODY. Genetic testing is crucial for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment, improving long-term health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Clinical Genetics
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Monogenic diabetes affects ~120,000 in the US, frequently misdiagnosed.
- 1-3% of pediatric diabetes cases are monogenic, including congenital diabetes and MODY.
- Early diagnosis and targeted management significantly improve pediatric patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss challenges and opportunities in diagnosing and managing monogenic diabetes in children.
- To highlight the importance of genetic testing for accurate diagnosis and treatment selection.
- To differentiate monogenic diabetes from type 1 and type 2 diabetes in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and diagnostic tools for monogenic diabetes.
- Analysis of genetic testing's role in diagnosis and treatment.
- Discussion of clinical management strategies for pediatric monogenic diabetes.
Main Results:
- Advancements enable better identification of patients with monogenic diabetes.
- Genetic testing is essential for confirming diagnosis and guiding therapy.
- Some patients may transition from insulin to sulfonylureas or discontinue therapy.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of monogenic diabetes in children is critical.
- Genetic testing and interpretation are necessary for effective management.
- Addressing challenges in diagnosis and treatment can enhance quality of life for affected children.
Abstract:
Monogenic diabetes affects approximately 120,000 people in the United States but continues to be misdiagnosed. Within the pediatric population, 1% to 3% of diabetes is monogenic, and early diagnosis and genetically targeted management of congenital diabetes and maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) can have a tremendous impact on future health outcomes and quality of life. In some of the more common monogenic diabetes types, patients can switch from insulin therapy to sulfonylureas or even discontinue glucose-lowering therapy with stable glycemic control. Advancements in the field have identified tools and resources to aid in distinguishing patients likely to have monogenic diabetes from the more common forms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, genetic testing with accurate interpretation of results is necessary to confirm a diagnosis and direct treatment selection and disease management. This article discusses challenges and opportunities in monogenic diabetes in the pediatric population. [Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(8):e319-e325.].
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