The current classification of diabetes mellitus will be reviewed here, together with brief descriptions of some emerging forms of atypical diabetes. The definition and diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus are discussed separately.

Our analysis of these studies found 69 distinct diabetes syndromes. Thirty (43.5%) syndromes included diabetes mellitus as a cardinal clinical feature, and 56 (81.2%) were fully genetically elucidated. Sixty-three syndromes (91.3%) were described more than once in independent case reports, of which 59 (93.7%) demonstrated clinical heterogeneity.

Our analysis of these studies found 69 distinct diabetes syndromes. Thirty (43.5%) syndromes included diabetes mellitus as a cardinal clinical feature, and 56 (81.2%) were fully genetically elucidated.

Despite their rarity, genetic syndromes associated with diabetes represent an important group of diseases. The genetic etiologies of these syndromes contribute toward our understanding of the pathophysiology of more common forms of DM, provide potential avenues for future gene identification efforts, promote gene therapy research, and may lead ...