A study has found that one in five young people with atypical diabetes in Bangladesh have a distinct genetic form of the disease known as maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and research.
The findings of Bangladesh Medical University were unveiled on Thursday at a dissemination programme held at its Shaheed Dr Milon Hall.
Experts at the event stressed the importance of identifying MODY to ensure appropriate treatment for patients.
Endocrinology specialist Dr Mashfiqul Hasan led the study, analysing atypical young diabetes patients and finding that around 20 per cent had genetic variations linked to MODY.
The study has recently been published in the internationally recognised Q1 journal Scientific Reports.
Mashfiqul Hasan said the genetic mutations were primarily found in lesser-known genes and differed from patterns commonly observed in Western populations.
He noted that patients with and without such genetic changes are often difficult to distinguish clinically, making accurate diagnosis challenging.
Experts said that MODY is neither type 1 nor type 2 diabetes and requires different treatment approaches. In some cases, it can be managed with specific oral medications, while in others, patients may not require medication at all.
Without proper identification, patients risk receiving inappropriate treatment.
Speaking at the event, BMU vice-chancellor Professor Dr FM Siddiqui said that genetic research in Bangladesh remained complex but was essential for improving patient care.
He emphasised the need for more studies to support evidence-based treatment.
The seminar, titled ‘Dissemination of Published PhD Research of Dr Mashfiqul Hasan,’ was chaired by endocrinology department head Professor Dr MA Hasanat.
Among others, Dhaka Medical College endocrinology head Professor Dr Indrajit Prasad and National Institute of Biotechnology chief scientific officer Professor Dr Md Salimullah also spoke.
The speakers said that diabetes among young people in Bangladesh was increasing, but many cases did not fit conventional classifications.
The findings suggested that the genetic profile of diabetes in Bangladesh might differ significantly from other regions, raising concerns about the suitability of existing diagnostic methods.
They stressed the need for country-specific research and improved diagnostic capacity, including genetic testing, to better identify and manage such cases.
The organisers said the programme aimed to disseminate research findings among physicians, students and researchers, raise awareness about youth diabetes, and encourage further research and improved patient care.
They warned that failure to recognise MODY could lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, affecting long-term health outcomes of young patients.
