Learn About Ballinger-Wallace Syndrome
Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) is a form of diabetes that is often accompanied by hearing loss, especially of high tones. The diabetes in MIDD is characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels, known as hyperglycemia. This results from a shortage of the hormone insulin, which regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. In MIDD, the diabetes and hearing loss usually develop in mid-adulthood, although the age that they occur varies from childhood to late adulthood. Typically, hearing loss occurs before diabetes.
Mutations in the MT-TL1, MT-TK, or MT-TE gene cause MIDD. These genes are found in mitochondrial DNA, which is part of cellular structures called mitochondria. Although most DNA is packaged in chromosomes within the cell nucleus, mitochondria also have a small amount of their own DNA (known as mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).
About 1 percent of people with diabetes have MIDD. The condition is most common in the Japanese population and has been found in populations worldwide.
MIDD is inherited in a mitochondrial pattern, which is also known as maternal inheritance. This pattern of inheritance applies to genes contained in mtDNA. Because egg cells, but not sperm cells, contribute mitochondria to the developing embryo, children can only inherit disorders resulting from mtDNA mutations from their mother. These disorders can appear in every generation of a family and can affect both males and females, but fathers do not pass traits associated with changes in mtDNA to their children.
Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine And Internal Medicine
Dr. Marta Wayt’s career is guided by faith and a passion for treating the underserved. She is an internal medicine doctor and a Regional Medical Director for Ballad Health Medical Associates. She also serves as the volunteer medical director of Providence Medical Clinic of Kingsport, a clinic that offers free acute and primary care to residents of Sullivan County and the greater Kingsport area living at 150% and below poverty guidelines. Her mission is simple: “I am a devoted Christian who was called into medicine to serve my fellow man, especially senior adults and complicated patients,” she says. Focusing on her calling helped her find her life’s path. “I chose internal medicine because it gave me the best training to take care of those complicated patients. I chose primary care because I like to develop relationships with my patients over their lifetimes.”. Dr. Wayt is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ballinger-Wallace Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Macroamylasemia, Ballinger-Wallace Syndrome, Breast Cancer, Anemia, and Endoscopy.
Medical Care
. Dr. Garrett is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ballinger-Wallace Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Herpes Zoster Oticus, Shingles, Ballinger-Wallace Syndrome, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
FirstChoice Internal Medicine
. Dr. Monderer is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ballinger-Wallace Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Infant Hyperglycemia, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Hypertension.
Published Date: October 01, 2012
Published By: National Institutes of Health