Etiology and Epidemiology of Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young

Evidence indicates that Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) exhibits an autosomal dominant inheritance and is the most common type of monogenic diabetes. However, it should be noted that misdiagnosis of the condition is very common, as patients are usually mistaken for both types I and type II diabetes mellitus. In the present study, we have discussed the etiology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of MODY based on an extensive literature review. Genetic mutations are mainly attributed to the development of the disease, which usually manifests throughout the second to fifth decades of life. Pancreatic islet cell destruction, impaired insulin secretion, defects regarding threshold to serum glucose levels, and other pathological events are usually observed in these patients. Data regarding the epidemiology of the condition is not adequately reported in the literature, especially among non-European populations, indicating the need to conduct future investigations. Ethnic and age variations are potentially epidemiological characteristics of the disease. However, not enough data are present in the literature to support such conclusions.