Maturity onset diabetes of the young^[1] refers to any of several hereditary forms of diabetes caused by mutations in an autosomal dominant gene (sex independent, i.e. inherited from any of the parents) disrupting insulin production. Unlike the polygenic recessive types 1 and 2 of diabetes caused by mutations in genes inherited from both parents, MODY is monogenic and easier to manage than polygenic ones. As of 2004, six types have been enumerated, but more are likely to be added. MODY 2 and MODY 3 are the most common forms. The severity of the different types varies considerably, but most commonly MODY acts like a very mild version of type 1 diabetes, with continued partial insulin production and normal insulin sensitivity. MODY may be confused with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is not young-onset type 2 diabetes (in a young person), as might erroneously be inferred from the name.