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The Type 1 Diabetes International Foundation is committed to spreading awareness of the disease; the symptoms, different types of diabetes and treatments available. Most people believe there are only two types of diabetes...Type 1 and Type 2. Not true. There are many different types of diabetes and researchers continue to identify other forms that exist called Monogenic Diabetes or MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young).
For decades, scientists throughout the world have worked diligently to find a cure and discover critical pieces to a complex diabetes puzzle. In recent years, scientists confirmed what they had long suspected: there are genetic forms of diabetes - different than Type 1 or Type 2. Doctors and scientists believe there may be up to 500,000 people in the U.S. and 7,000,000 in the world that are misdiagnosed as having Type 1 or Type 2, and may have Monogenic Diabetes. With the right diagnosis, using genetic testing, many people can radically change their diabetes treatment. Rather than insulin shots, they can be successfully treated with an inexpensive and commonly used diabetes drug, a sulfonylurea. It allows the body to make and secrete its own insulin.
Up to 95 percent of people with Monogenic Diabetes are misdiagnosed. This is because neither they nor their medical providers are even aware of the possibility of another diagnosis and treatment.
Our mission is to spread awareness of these genetic forms of diabetes to encourage medical providers and patients to consider exploring an alternative diagnosis. Once identified, truly life changing for not only the patient...but the whole family.
Click on the "Inspiring Stories" tab for more detailed information.
Sincerely,
Christine Sewers, Founder
Type 1 Diabetes International Foundation
DBA Diabetes International Foundation
Recognized as an official 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation
EIN # 45-1969245
