Type 3a diabetes involves genetic defects for beta cells.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It involves exocrine pancreas
• D. It involves autoimmune destruction

Answer: (A)

Genetic defects that impair beta-cell function or development create a distinct form of diabetes separate from autoimmune type 1 and insulin-resistant type 2. This category includes the monogenic forms often grouped under MODY, where a single gene mutation leads to impaired insulin secretion despite otherwise normal or near-normal insulin action. In this context, Type 3a specifically refers to those genetic beta-cell defects, so the statement is true. If the problem were in the exocrine pancreas, the condition would be pancreatogenic diabetes (Type 3c); if it were autoimmune destruction, it would be type 1 diabetes. MODY typically presents earlier in life and often has a family history, with preserved beta-cell function on some tests, which helps distinguish it from type 1.