Neonatal Diabetes Case Series in Myanmar: Early Presentation of Lifelong Condition

Mya Sandar Thein¹

Published in Volume 68, No. 1, 2026 January – March issue

https://doi.org/10.64455/xmma0021

Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (NDM) is a rare form of monogenic diabetes that presents within the first six months of life, characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia due to impaired insulin secretion resulting from genetic defects affecting pancreatic beta cell function. It may be transient or permanent depending on the underlying mutation. Early recognition and appropriate therapy is essential to prevent crucial mortality and morbidity. In resource limited setting, management of NDM poses significant challenging due to limited access to genetic testing, continuous glucose monitoring. The existing diabetes technology supports the comprehensive and successful management of NDM.

Neonatal diabetes is a rare but important cause of hyperglycaemia in early infancy. In resource limited settings, clinical suspicion and early insulin initiation, proper referral system remain the cornerstone of management. Genetic testing, when available, guides sulfonylurea therapy with excellent outcomes. Broader access to genetic diagnostics and diabetes education and management facilities can significantly improve prognosis for affected infants in Myanmar.

1. Associate Professor/Senior Consultant Paediatrician, Yangon Children’s Hospital, Myanmar

Corresponding author: [email protected]