Researchers Say They've Discovered a Rare Genetic Form of Diabetes in Newborns
- Rebecca Guldberg
- Oct 20
- 2 min read
A groundbreaking discovery is shedding new light on diabetes that develops in babies. Scientists have identified a rare genetic form of diabetes caused by a mutation in a gene known as TMEM167A, which can lead to the onset of diabetes in infants younger than six months.
According to the report, researchers found that these babies often developed diabetes extremely early in life — long before typical type 1 or type 2 diabetes would appear — and that some also experienced neurological symptoms such as epilepsy or microcephaly. This unique presentation led scientists to investigate whether a single-gene mutation, rather than an autoimmune or lifestyle-related cause, might be responsible.
Their findings point to a new category of monogenic diabetes, where one faulty gene can prevent insulin-producing beta cells from functioning properly. Unlike type 1 diabetes, where the immune system attacks these cells, or type 2 diabetes, which involves insulin resistance, this rare form disrupts the body’s ability to make insulin from birth.
The discovery is significant because it may open new doors for early diagnosis and personalized treatment. When diabetes appears before six months of age, doctors now recommend genetic testing to look for specific gene mutations, such as TMEM167A. Identifying the correct cause can help clinicians choose therapies that target the underlying mechanism — and in some cases, even eliminate the need for insulin therapy.
Researchers say this finding is more than a breakthrough for affected families — it could also enhance our understanding of how insulin production works and pave the way for new treatments for all forms of diabetes.
Source: Yahoo News (October 2025)
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