Managing MODY2 Diabetes

Last summer, we visited my son's pediatrician for his persistent cough. I mentioned to the doctor, in passing, that my son has been doing frequent visits to the restroom, even at night. He has been drinking water more than the usual too.

What happened next was a series of visits to the hospital, plenty of laboratory tests, a lot of pricks on the fingers, and a change in our lifestyle.

Before we were able to get the results, I was hounded with confusion and panic. I feared the thought of my son needing the use of insulin. Or any form of medication for that matter. I went to the extent of thinking of putting him to home schooling, so that I could attend to all of his needs because of what might be his condition.

I asked for prayers from family and friends. I knew I was giving myself a scare too early. I tried my best to stop burdening myself with too much worries. We just patiently waited for all the results.

When the laboratory tests and DNA Sequencing test results were out, the endocrinologist and geneticist informed us that my son--who was then 8 years old-- has Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young 2 (MODY2).

We were told that MODY is a type of diabetes often not recognized. Some patients with MODY are even treated like they have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Those who have it are less than 25 years old and may have acquired this type of diabetes from one of their parents.

There are 6 types of MODY, because of the six known genes in which changes lead to the disease. MODY2 is the most benign type.

MODY2 is due to mutations of the glucokinase gene. It can be managed by a healthy diet and regular exercise. A MODY2 patient has very low risk of microvascular complications. Microvascular complications include nerve damage, kidney diseases, vision disorders, and heart problems. There is no need for medication for this type of diabetes.

After doing a DNA Sequencing test to my husband also (who has mild diabetes), it was confirmed that he has MODY2 as well. It seems that it has been running in my husband's family, with the members unaware of it.

We had to attend a class with a nutritionist who told us that there is actually no diet for diabetes. What is advised for a diabetic should actually be the kind of diet for any regular person. Less carbohydrates, plenty of fibers, intake of sugars and sweets should be in moderation.

The nutritionist taught us how to count the grams of carbohydrates and the right portion or size for each meal. My son's regular meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) should be around 65 grams of carbohydrates. This means about 1/3 cup of rice, a piece of chicken (or meat or fish), salad or veggies, and a cup of milk. A cup of milk is already 15 grams of carbohydrates.

For a morning snack, he can have anything with 15 grams of carbohydrates, and for an afternoon snack, a total of about 30 grams. I monitor everything, including whatever he needs to bring to school.

We learned to read labels so that every time we go to the grocery, we know which items to pick and what we should avoid.

Taekwondo is my son's sport. He trains three times a week. If he does not train, it is a must that he takes other forms of exercise at home. The doctor said that exercising should not be a seasonal thing. It has to be everyday, at least 30 minutes, not counting PE at school. My husband brings him outside to play basketball or tennis. Sometimes I walk with him, or we have fun using his dance mat.

Managing MODY2 for a patient should be with the support of the entire family. A change in lifestyle for everyone could really encourage the patient to do the same. As parents, we show him the importance and fun that exercise provides. Everything we eat is in moderation. We have a rule that desserts can be taken only during weekends. Salads, vegetables and fruits are always available.

The doctors stressed that it is more important for my son to be concerned of his condition, but he should not be too cautious and paranoid. He is not a risk of any serious complications. We monitor his condition periodically, and we are all aware that he has it. But it is necessary that he knows that he is just like anybody, and that by managing what he has correctly, he is growing normally-- just like any other regular boy.