Abstract
Background and Aims: maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a monogenic, autosomal, dominant disease characterized by a single genetic mutation that results in beta-cells disfunction with consequent hyperglycemia. It represents a rare form of diabetes (1-2% of all the cases). Sulphonylureas (SU) represent the first line treatment for this form of diabetic disease. NEUROD1 is a transcription factor expressed by pancreatic and nervous tissues that is necessary for a proper development of beta cells. A mutation of NEUROD1 gene has been found to cause beta-cells dysfunction, inadequate insulin secretion, and hyperglycemia (MODY 6). A recent case report has documented for the first time a new missense mutation (p.Met114Leu c.340A> C), of the NEUROD1 gene pathogenetic for diabetes mellitus.Methods and Results: We report the case of a 50 years-old man who presented the same mutation, and who was able to suspend rapid insulin after the diagnosis and treatment with SU. Interestingly, our patient had an early onset dilated cardiomyopathy but no other data about cardiac diseases in patients with MODY 6 are available.Conclusions: Diagnostic criteria for MODY can overlap with other kinds of diabetes and most cases are still misdiagnosed as diabetes type 1 or 2. The disease should be suspected in patients with a strong family history of diabetes, normal BMI, early onset and no autoimmunity.