Dr Whay Wee’s conversation with Dr Seng Khee Gan at Diabetes WA Connect resulted in his patient receiving a diagnosis of MODY, a rare form of diabetes.
Willetton GP Dr Whay Wee has a special interest in chronic disease management and recently contacted Diabetes WA Connect for advice about a patient who he initially thought had type 2 diabetes.
This free service allows GPs and nurse practitioners across Western Australia to book a call with one of our endocrinologists for input and discussion about all aspects of diabetes management.
‘I spoke to Dr Seng Khee Gan (pictured above) about starting the patient on insulin, but after we did additional tests, we learned that the patient had MODY (Mature Onset Diabetes of the Young.) This completely changed the care pathway. Through Diabetes WA Connect I also learned more about genetic testing for MODY and the care pathways available to my patient at Fiona Stanley Hospital,” says Dr Wee.
Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is an uncommon category of diabetes that is caused by a mutation in a single gene.
Those with MODY may have unusual features such as onset before the age of 25 and a slim body shape. But it is often misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Some patients with MODY can be managed with simple oral medication. Others might not require any treatment at all.
Diabetes educator Tara Savage says that, in her years of working on the Diabetes WA Telehealth service and now with Diabetes WA Connect, she’s only supported a handful of people with MODY.
“They usually present young and probably a bit younger than you’d expect for type 2 diabetes,” Tara says. “But a GP might assume it’s type 2 and start them on medication that may prove to be ineffective for their type of MODY.”
Tara says that, while a MODY diagnosis is rare, even if you’ve already been diagnosed with another type of diabetes, it’s important to know that it’s a possibility, especially if the usual management pathway is not working.
“People should know that it’s an option, because there’s a lot people don’t know about diabetes until they come to an education session like one of our DESMOND programs,” Tara says.
For Dr Wee, bringing the endocrinologist into the consulting room meant a faster pathway to diagnosis and treatment.
I like the challenge of supporting my patients with diabetes and providing continuity of care. With Diabetes WA Connect I can now access immediate advice and start tests straight away rather than referring my patients to the hospital endocrinology service. Time is so important with chronic disease management.
For people who suspect they have MODY, it’s essential to seek advice from their healthcare provider. Diagnosing this condition is important not only for correct treatment, but also awareness within families, where other members may also be at risk.
Dr Gan says that every aspect of Diabetes WA Connect is designed to help GPs like Dr Wee tap into timely, accessible advice.
“Our team is passionate in assisting GPs with getting their patients along a speedier path in their diabetes management. It’s something that gives us immense satisfaction and encouragement at each session,” he says.
Are you a GP, nurse practitioner or practice manager and would like to book a call with Diabetes WA Connect or find out more about the service?
Diabetes WA Connect can provide advice through a phone call, or an MBS-rebatable multi-disciplinary case conference (MDCC).
For MDCCs, a Diabetes WA diabetes educator will always attend alongside our endocrinologist, while an Aboriginal Health Practitioner can be requested.
The team can also visit your practice for a meet and greet so you can learn more about the service – please contact us to arrange a time.
Get in touch with Diabetes WA Connect
Diabetes WA Connect provides timely endocrinology advice to support diabetes management in primary care.
A short discussion can help clarify treatment decisions, support complex cases and connect your patient to the right services.
Call 9436 6270
Visit the Diabetes WA Connect booking page
Email diabetesconnect@diabeteswa.com.au for enquiries.
