Frequently Asked Questions

A brief description of many of the types of monogenic diabetes can be found here. Alternatively, you can contact us with any questions.

No. We encourage patients to join our registry, but we are happy to answer any questions regarding monogenic diabetes.

Your participation will help researchers understand more about genetic forms of diabetes, including how many people are affected, what treatment seems best for each different genetic type, and what other medical problems might occur due to these gene mutations.

Testing can be arranged by your healthcare provider for most types of monogenic diabetes. We regularly are contacted to ask for advice on which genes to request for testing. In our studies, a limited amount of genetic testing is performed on a research basis.

A genetic diagnosis may alter treatment, help predict future health concerns and may allow for informed family planning.

No. Most of our studies can be done through online questionnaires and over the phone/mail. Saliva samples are often sufficient to allow research genetic testing to be performed.

Yes, we encourage clinicians to contact us with questions about monogenic diabetes.

We all receive a copy of our genes from each parent. Sometimes mutations in genes can occur spontaneously. Most forms of monogenic diabetes require only one gene copy to be mutated. Other forms of monogenic diabetes require a mutation in both copies. For details about specific genes click here.

Please click here to learn about some of the studies being performed here in Chicago.

We perform genetic testing for some participants in our studies. The genetic testing is performed on a research basis and there is no cost for participants in our studies.

Genetic testing is recommended for any child diagnosed with diabetes under 1 year of age and anyone who has suspected monogenic diabetes. It is important to review your entire medical and family history with your healthcare provider before exploring genetic testing. Learn more

Our research-based genetic testing is dependent on research and philanthropic funding. Therefore, we are unable to provide a guaranteed time frame on when genetic testing results will be available. However, we would be happy to provide you with an update on your sample. Please contact our study coordinator here for more information.

Our study protocol does not currently allow us to send genetic reports to participants. We will securely send a report to the healthcare provider you list in your consent forms. If you or your healthcare provider have any questions after reviewing the report, we would be happy to answer them.

Please refer any family or friends interested in learning more about our studies to our website. If they are interested in speaking with a team member, please direct them to our registration form here.