Overview
Short fifth metacarpals-insulin resistance syndrome is a very rare condition that affects the bones of the hands and the way the body handles sugar. The fifth metacarpal is the bone in your hand that connects to your little finger. In people with this syndrome, that bone is unusually short on both hands, which can make the little finger look shorter or the knuckle less prominent. This is sometimes called 'brachymetacarpia' of the fifth ray. Alongside this bone difference, people with this condition develop insulin resistance, meaning the body's cells do not respond well to insulin — the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to high blood sugar and may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Some people may also show other features related to abnormal bone development or hormonal changes. The condition is thought to be genetic in origin, though the exact gene or genes responsible are not fully confirmed in all cases. Treatment focuses on managing insulin resistance through lifestyle changes, diet, and sometimes medication to help control blood sugar. Regular monitoring by a specialist team is important to prevent complications. Because this syndrome is so rare, much of what is known comes from small numbers of reported cases.
Key symptoms:
Unusually short bone in the hand leading to a shorter little fingerInsulin resistance (the body does not use insulin properly)High blood sugar levelsRisk of developing type 2 diabetesPossible changes in other small bones of the hands or feetAbnormal knuckle appearance on the little finger side of the handPossible hormonal imbalancesFatigue related to blood sugar problemsIncreased thirst or frequent urination if blood sugar is poorly controlled
Clinical phenotype terms (6)— hover any for plain English
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Childhood
Begins in childhood, roughly ages 1 to 12
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Short fifth metacarpals-insulin resistance syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Short fifth metacarpals-insulin resistance syndrome.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Short fifth metacarpals-insulin resistance syndrome.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What genetic tests should I have to find out the cause of my condition?,How often should I have my blood sugar and insulin levels checked?,What lifestyle changes will make the biggest difference for my insulin resistance?,At what point would you recommend starting medication for blood sugar control?,Are other members of my family at risk, and should they be tested?,Are there any specialists or rare disease centers with experience in this condition?,What warning signs should prompt me to seek urgent medical care?
Common questions about Short fifth metacarpals-insulin resistance syndrome
What is Short fifth metacarpals-insulin resistance syndrome?
Short fifth metacarpals-insulin resistance syndrome is a very rare condition that affects the bones of the hands and the way the body handles sugar. The fifth metacarpal is the bone in your hand that connects to your little finger. In people with this syndrome, that bone is unusually short on both hands, which can make the little finger look shorter or the knuckle less prominent. This is sometimes called 'brachymetacarpia' of the fifth ray. Alongside this bone difference, people with this condition develop insulin resistance, meaning the body's cells do not respond well to insulin — the hormon
At what age does Short fifth metacarpals-insulin resistance syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Short fifth metacarpals-insulin resistance syndrome is childhood. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.