Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam

Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is primarily caused by genetic defects in the beta cells of the pancreas. This form of diabetes is characterized by its heritable nature, typically resulting from mutations in specific genes that affect insulin production and secretion. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the crucial role that inherited genetic factors play in the onset of MODY.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, which involves an autoimmune response leading to the destruction of beta cells, and type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to obesity and lifestyle factors, MODY is distinct in its direct genetic etiology. In fact, there are several well-defined subtypes of MODY, each associated with different genetic mutations that can impair the beta-cell function in varying ways. This inherited pattern is typically observed in families, further underscoring the genetic basis of the condition.

Environmental factors, obesity, and autoimmune responses, while significant in the context of other forms of diabetes, do not account for MODY's specific genetic underpinnings. This distinction is essential for understanding the mechanism of MODY and its management compared to other types of diabetes.