Mutated gene causes rare form of diabetes

Sophia Baratta, who has a form of monogenic diabetes, kickboxes at the Crazy 88 martial arts gym as she takes a Muay Thai class in Elkridge, Md., where she trains. Photo: TNS

Sophia Baratta thought she was in the best shape of her life until a doctor diagnosed her with prediabetes after tests showed elevated levels of glucose in her blood.

At the time, the 29-year-old spent grueling hours in the gym preparing for amateur kickboxing competitions. The doctor ordered the Baltimore kindergarten teacher to watch what she ate after the diagnosis, but Baratta already followed a strict diet as part of her training regimen that focused on lean proteins, vegetables and no sugar.