title: A genetic diagnosis of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY): experiences of patients and family members.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Genetic testing for maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) facilitates a correct diagnosis, enabling treatment optimization and allowing monitoring of asymptomatic family members. To date, the majority of people with MODY remain undiagnosed. To identify patients' needs and areas for improving care, this study explores the experiences of patients and family members who have been genetically tested for MODY.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen semi-structured interviews with patients and the parents of patients, and symptomatic and asymptomatic family members were conducted. Atlas.ti was used for thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most people with MODY were initially misdiagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes; they had been seeking for the correct diagnosis for a long time. Reasons for having a genetic test included reassurance, removing the uncertainty of developing diabetes (in asymptomatic family members) and informing relatives. Reasons against testing were the fear of genetic discrimination and not having symptoms. Often a positive genetic test result did not come as a surprise. Both patients and family members were satisfied with the decision to get tested because it enabled them to adjust their lifestyle and treatment accordingly. All participants experienced a lack of knowledge of MODY among healthcare professionals, in their social environment and in patient organizations. Additionally, problems with the reimbursement of medical expenses were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients and family members are generally positive about genetic testing for MODY. More education of healthcare professionals and attention on the part of diabetes organizations is needed to increase awareness and optimize care and support for people with MODY.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Genetics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Bosma
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Genetics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rigter
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Genetics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Weinreich
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Genetics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Cornel
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Genetics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Henneman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015438:Health Behavior; D051538:Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1-alpha / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D051538:Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1-alpha