Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which medication is commonly prescribed for Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)?

1. Metformin

2. Glipazide

3. Insulin

4. Sitagliptin

The correct answer is: Glipazide

Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is a group of hereditary conditions resulting from a mutation in one of several genes that regulate insulin production. The most common characteristics of MODY include an early onset of diabetes typically before the age of 25, a clinical appearance similar to Type 1 diabetes (suggesting an autoimmune process), and a lack of insulin resistance that is often observed in Type 2 diabetes. Among the treatment options available for MODY, sulfonylureas, such as glipizide, are frequently prescribed. These medications work by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin in response to blood glucose levels, which is particularly effective in MODY due to the underlying defect in insulin secretion. The mechanism aligns well with the pathophysiology of MODY, where the body's ability to produce insulin is impaired but not completely absent. While metformin and sitagliptin are commonly used for other types of diabetes, such as Type 2 diabetes, they may not be as effective in managing MODY. Metformin primarily improves insulin sensitivity and is often used in the context of insulin resistance, which is typically not a feature of MODY. Insulin can be utilized in certain MODY cases, especially if beta-cell