Genetics Evaluation Outcomes From an Academic Multidisciplinary Atypical Diabetes Program

Rare monogenic conditions that predispose to diabetes can be misdiagnosed due to phenotypic overlap with more common conditions. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective, over-, or under-treatment. Specific genetic mechanisms can direct more precise treatment and facilitate clinical trial options. Recognition of characteristics of these conditions is necessary to facilitate high-yield referrals to genetics providers in order to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Highlight clinical characteristics and diagnostic outcomes of patients undergoing genetics evaluation through a multidisciplinary Atypical Diabetes Program.

Retrospective cohort review was completed for 87 patients referred to genetics from endocrinologists associated with the multidisciplinary Atypical Diabetes Program at a tertiary academic medical center between September 2019 and October 2022.

Description of clinical characteristics of patients with a diagnostic or uncertain clinical genetic test result, as well as proportion of patients with these results.

Six patients (8.8%) had a pathogenic variant confirming diagnosis of lipodystrophy (4), monogenic diabetes (1), or monogenic obesity (1). Fifteen (22.0%) had a variant of uncertain significance, 5 of which correlated with their clinical features. As a result of genetics evaluation, all with a confirmed diagnosis had more precise treatment implemented and/or the opportunity to enroll in a clinical trial.

Identification of rare genetic conditions predisposing to diabetes, enabled here through multidisciplinary genetics and endocrinology collaboration as part of the Atypical Diabetes Program, ultimately improves patient care. Endocrinologist attention to clinical features of these conditions is key to inform referral for genetics evaluation and testing.