MODY

                  "When I was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 22, I was determined to manage it through diet and exercise. I committed to a strict routine, cutting out sugar, counting carbs, and hitting the gym. I was focused, and for a time, my efforts seemed to be working. But as the years went on, despite my best efforts, my blood sugar levels began to spiral out of control. The tight grip I once had on my health was slipping away, and I had to start taking medication to manage what was being diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

         I started on metformin, but even that couldn't bring my blood sugar under control. I sought help from multiple doctors, spent countless hours in waiting rooms, and tried several treatment options, yet my condition continued to worsen. Over time, I began to notice troubling symptoms: fatigue, blurry vision, extreme thirst, and frequent urination. The worst blow came when I lost the sight in my right eye. It was devastating. Not only was I battling diabetes, but it was also stealing my ability to live my life. I couldn’t participate in activities with my kids, and at work, my performance was affected. Every aspect of my world seemed to be crumbling.

   Around the same time, my cousin, who was also struggling with diabetes, was facing her own battle. Her condition seemed to be much more severe. She was frequently hospitalized, and eventually, kidney failure led to dialysis. Through it all, she couldn’t care for her young children the way she wanted to. I watched her life deteriorate before my eyes, and it was heartbreaking to witness.

            Finally, in a moment of clarity, someone made the decision to have my cousin tested genetically for her condition. The results returned: she had MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young). This was a rare form of diabetes caused by a genetic mutation. Unfortunately, by the time we discovered her diagnosis, the damage to her body was irreversible. My cousin passed away shortly after.

          Before she passed, she shared her diagnosis with me, urging me to get tested. I did, and to my shock, I too had MODY. My diabetes was not just the result of poor lifestyle choices or typical type 2 diabetes – it was a genetic mutation that I had inherited. Once I was properly diagnosed, my medication was adjusted, and I was placed on a treatment plan tailored to my condition. Slowly, my blood sugar levels stabilized. I began to regain control of my life, and more importantly, I started to feel like myself again.

   This journey has shown me how critical an accurate diagnosis is for those with diabetes. Misdiagnosis, or delayed diagnosis, can have devastating consequences, as it did for my cousin. If we had known sooner, things might have turned out differently. I’m lucky that I still have a chance at managing my condition and living a full life. But my cousin’s story is a painful reminder that not everyone gets that second chance.◦If you’re living with diabetes, or if you have a family history of diabetes, I urge you to seek out genetic testing. Getting the right diagnosis could mean the difference between managing your condition and suffering its irreversible effects. We can no longer afford to overlook rare forms of diabetes like MODY. It can change everything.

          I’m here today because of the decision to test, and I honor my cousin’s memory by sharing this story. Her life was taken far too soon, but my hope is that by raising awareness about MODY, others can get the answers they need before it’s too late. My journey is still ongoing, but I’m committed to living the life I have left – one that I nearly lost. I hope that by sharing my experience, others can find hope, understanding, and the right path to better health."