Diabetes is no joke to the Black community. A condition known to affect millions worldwide, diabetes hits Black Americans especially hard. In fact, Black adults are 60 percent more likely to receive a diagnosis than white adults, and also significantly more likely to experience severe complications and hospitalizations as a result.
But did you know not all diabetes is created the same?
Turns out, there are actually some very rare forms of diabetes you’ve probably never heard of. While these uncommon diabetes conditions may sound alarming, there are always ways to properly diagnose and treat them.
Let’s go through the four main ones, what to look out for, and what to do if you have them.
1. Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)
Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) usually hits before the age of 25. Unlike Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, MODY comes from just one gene mutation. In other words, if one parent carries that gene, their child has a 50 percent likelihood of getting it.
But there’s a catch. Properly diagnosing MODY is not easy. It may be misdiagnosed as standard Type 1 or Type 2. While people with MODY don’t necessarily need insulin, sometimes the symptoms do get severe. The best way to determine MODY is, therefore, with genetic tests.
Sufferers can take oral meds, such as sulfonylureas, to treat mild to serious symptoms.
2. Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (NDM)
Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (NDM) is a type of diabetes that occurs in the initial six months of life. When infants are diagnosed with NDM, the main signs are severe hyperglycemia and dehydration.
Not sure if your baby has it? The best way to detect NDM is by doing genetic testing for mutations of the KCNJ11, ABCC8, and INS genes. While treatment varies based on what is mutated and what isn’t, it is not uncommon to need insulin to survive. Depending on the diagnosis and symptoms, some infants may just need oral medicines.
Be sure to work closely with neonatal specialists to get to the bottom of it, and get your child the treatment they need ASAP!
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3. Wolcott-Rallison Syndrome
Wolcott-Rallison Syndrome (WRS) is more than merely diabetes. Characterized by early-onset diabetes, WRS can also cause various other complications. These may include everything from skeletal dysplasia to liver issues and problems with normal physical maturation.
Stemming from genetic mutations, WRS usually hits children in the first few months of their lives. Is your child experiencing developmental delays? How about dysfunction of the liver? While insulin therapy is ideal for the diabetic component of WRS, a comprehensive approach is the only way to truly treat it.
If your child is diagnosed with WRS, you will likely work with an entire team of healthcare specialists to get to the bottom of it.
4. Fibrocalculous Pancreatic Diabetes (FCPD)
Forget the long name. FCPD is just a rare form of diabetes caused by pancreatic challenges. In most cases, FCPD coincides with enduring inflammation of the pancreas, as well as the development of pancreatic stones.
Unlike the other conditions, FCPD is usually caused by malnutrition, not genetic mutation. People with FCPD may also experience symptoms such as stomach pain, problems with absorption, and hyperglycemia. The best way to detect it is by imaging the pancreas and related areas.
Aside from treatments for diabetes, pancreatic enzyme supplements can also help address the issues of this condition.
Overall, these four rare diabetes conditions can be a handful. Whether it’s MODY, NDM, WRS, or FCPD (lotta letters!), every condition requires a unique approach. The good news is, there are many ‘markers’ that tell us what we’re dealing with. Because most of these diseases are tied to genetics, testing is a great way to pinpoint what’s happening.
Black patients in particular need to be vigilant. Due to disparities in healthcare access, and general lack of awareness, these conditions may worsen before they are properly diagnosed and treated. If you have diabetes but suspect it’s more than your typical Type 1 or Type 2, don’t hesitate.
Reach out to your doctor, consult an endocrinologist, and be open about your concerns. The main thing to remember is symptoms, onset, and lifestyle. Did the symptoms occur alongside other problems that you wouldn’t normally associate with diabetes?
Did they start when you or someone else was younger?
Come armed with the knowledge, meet your doctor, and before you know it, you’ll be treating these problems successfully in no time!
