Maturity onset diabetes of the young facts for kids
Maturity onset diabetes of the young, or MODY, is a special kind of diabetes. Unlike the more common types of diabetes, MODY is caused by changes in a person's genes. These gene changes are usually passed down from parents to children, meaning MODY is a hereditary condition.
When someone has MODY, their body has trouble making enough insulin. Insulin is a very important hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy. Because MODY is caused by a single gene change, it is sometimes called monogenic diabetes. The most common types of MODY are MODY 2 and MODY 3.
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What is MODY?
MODY stands for "Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young." It was first named around 1964. It's different from Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, which are the types most people know about.
How Genes Cause MODY
Our bodies are made of tiny building blocks, and inside each of our cells are genes. Genes are like instruction manuals that tell our bodies how to grow and work. In MODY, there's a small mistake, or "mutation," in one of these genes.
This specific gene mutation affects how your body makes or uses insulin. Insulin is like a key that unlocks your cells so sugar (glucose) from food can get inside and give you energy. If the key doesn't work right, sugar stays in your blood, which can cause health problems.
Types of MODY
There are several different types of MODY, depending on which gene has the mutation. The most common ones are MODY 2 and MODY 3.
MODY 2
In MODY 2, the gene change usually causes a milder form of diabetes. People with MODY 2 might have slightly higher blood sugar levels, but often they don't need to take medications or insulin shots. They might just need to watch what they eat and exercise regularly.
MODY 1 and MODY 3
MODY 1 and MODY 3 are often more serious. People with these types of MODY might need to take insulin or other medications to help control their blood sugar. This is because the gene changes in MODY 1 and MODY 3 affect insulin production more significantly.
Living with MODY
Even though MODY is a genetic condition, people with MODY can live healthy lives by managing their blood sugar. This might involve:
- Eating healthy foods.
- Getting regular exercise.
- Taking medications or insulin if needed.
- Regular check-ups with a doctor.
Some people with MODY might be overweight or obese, just like people with Type 2 diabetes. However, being overweight doesn't cause MODY; it's the gene change that causes it.
See also
In Spanish: Diabetes tipo MODY para niños
