Type 1.5 Diabetes: The Misdiagnosed Diabetes That Affects Adults Over 30

LADA, also known as type 1.5 diabetes, is an autoimmune diabetes disease that appears after the age of 30 and is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

Highlights:

Latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA) is a subtype of diabetes that occurs in adulthood
It is an autoimmune disease that targets the pancreas' insulin-producing cells
Misdiagnosis as type 2 diabetes is common due to similar symptoms

LADA, or adult-onset latent autoimmune diabetes, is sometimes known as type 1.5 diabetes. LADA, like type 1 diabetes, is an autoimmune diabetes disease. It occurs when the body's antibodies target the pancreas' insulin-producing cells.

"Many researchers believe LADA, also known as type 1.5 diabetes, is a subtype of type 1 diabetes, while others do not consider it to be a separate entity." Other researchers believe diabetes occurs on a spectrum, with LADA falling somewhere between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, according to MayoClinic experts.

Because the symptoms of LADA appear after the age of 30, people with this diabetes are frequently misdiagnosed as having type 2 diabetes.

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes (LADA) - Facts, Diagnosis and Management
LADA or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood is a form of type 1 autoimmune diabetes that can be mistaken for type 2 diabetes because it develops in older adults.

‘Latent Autoimmune Diabetes: Often misdiagnosed as Type 2, it's a rare form of diabetes that strikes after age 30. Symptoms progress slowly and can be treated with lifestyle changes initially, but insulin shots may be required. #LADA #diabetesawareness’

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes is Most Common in People Over the Age of 30-35.

LADA is diabetes for adults, per definition. The Immunology for Diabetes Society (IDS) defines LADA based on three criteria: age greater than 30 years, no insulin dependency for at least the first 6 months after diagnosis, and positive autoantibodies to islet beta cells.

Signs and Symptoms of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes

Polyuria- the urge to urinate more frequently than normal
Polydipsia- excessive thirst
Nocturia- the need to urinate frequently at night
Fatigue
Visual alterations
Tingling in the feet

Another common symptom of LADA is weight loss, and a history of low birth weight is a substantial risk factor for this disorder. According to one study, a low BMI is a factor in detecting three-quarters of LADA instances.

Genetic Differences can Help Distinguish Type 1 Diabetes in Kids from Type 1.5 in Adults
New genetic signature could help identify an adult-onset form of diabetes, sharing many type 1 diabetes (T1D) characteristics from pediatric-onset T1D. This finding could improve responses by ensuring patients receive the most appropriate treatment.

How to Treat Latent Autoimmune Diabetes with Lifestyle Changes?

Though it is similar to type 1 diabetes, the symptoms of LADA progress slowly, so the person may not require medications for up to six months. LADA can be treated initially by making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating well, exercising, and taking medications, but when symptoms increase, insulin shots may be required.

Genetic Testing May Help Diagnose Type 1.5 Diabetes
The genetic risk in LADA from Type 1 Diabetes risk alleles was lower than in childhood-onset Type 1 diabetes.

Tests for People with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes

Those suffering from LADA should monitor their blood glucose levels regularly using diabetes testing. These individuals should also have their lipid profile, glomerular filtration rate, serum creatinine, albumin, peripheral neuropathy, and retinopathy checked.

Misdiagnosis of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes

Often LADA is misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes. "If you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and you're lean and physically active or you've recently lost weight without effort, talk with your doctor about whether your current treatment is still the best one for you," experts at MayoClinic suggest.

Source-Medindia