Chennai, July 1 -- Highlights:
* LADA shares features of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes
* Early antibody testing may help avoid delayed diagnosis
* Many people with LADA eventually require insulin //therapy
Many adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may actually have a different condition called Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) , according to a review published in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine . It was once popularly called " type 1.5 diabetes " because it shares features of both major forms of diabetes. However, doctors now prefer the term LADA because it more accurately describes this autoimmune diabetes that gradually reduces the body's ability to produce insulin () .
The review explains that this slower form of autoimmune diabetes often goes unnoticed because it shares features with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, delaying the treatment many people eventually need.
Around 4% to 14% of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may actually have LADA. The condition develops gradually, and more than 80% of affected individuals eventually need insulin within several years of diagnosis.
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes Symptoms Can Resemble Type 2 Diabetes
Unlike classic type 1 diabetes, LADA develops slowly. People may continue producing some insulin for months or even years before their pancreas gradually loses its ability to keep blood sugar under control.
Common symptoms include:
* Frequent urination
* Increased thirst
* Fatigue
* Blurred vision
* Weight loss
* Recurrent infections
* Slow wound healing
Someone who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, takes medication regularly, and follows a healthy lifestyle may still notice blood sugar levels becoming harder to control. In some cases, this may signal an underlying autoimmune condition rather than typical type 2 diabetes.
LADA Antibody Testing Can Improve Diabetes Diagnosis
The review highlights that antibody testing can help identify LADA in adults whose diabetes does not fit the usual pattern of type 2 diabetes. This is particularly relevant for people who are lean, were diagnosed before the age of 50, or have a personal or family history of autoimmune disease.
Rather than viewing diabetes as only type 1 or type 2, researchers increasingly recognize that some adults develop an intermediate form that requires a different approach to care. Correctly identifying this condition may help people receive treatment that better matches how their diabetes changes over time.
As Dr. Michelle D. Lundholm states, "LADA is a distinct autoimmune subtype of diabetes that requires heightened clinical suspicion and early antibody testing for accurate diagnosis."
LADA Treatment Depends On Beta Cell Function
Treatment is based on how much beta-cell function remains. Some people can initially manage their condition with noninsulin medicines along with healthy lifestyle changes. Others may benefit from starting insulin therapy earlier as their natural insulin production declines.
Regular monitoring of blood sugar and C-peptide levels helps doctors adjust treatment at the right time.
Identifying the correct type of diabetes is just as important as controlling blood sugar. A more accurate diagnosis may allow treatment to evolve alongside the disease rather than after complications develop.
Why Early LADA Diagnosis Matters In Daily Life
A person who maintains a healthy weight, exercises regularly, and still finds diabetes becoming increasingly difficult to control may wonder why medications no longer seem effective. Recognizing that LADA exists can prompt an informed conversation about whether additional testing is appropriate.
The review also notes that people with LADA should receive routine monitoring for diabetes complications and selected autoimmune conditions because their healthcare needs can change as the disease progresses.
Better LADA Awareness May Support Personalized Diabetes Care
The review emphasizes that recognizing LADA earlier may help healthcare professionals tailor treatment before insulin-producing cells decline significantly. Emerging evidence points to a broader picture in which understanding the exact type of diabetes may lead to more individualized care instead of relying solely on the initial diagnosis. If your diabetes does not seem to respond as expected, speak with your healthcare provider about whether further evaluation may be appropriate. A timely diagnosis can help ensure your treatment continues to match your health needs.
medfaq
Reference:
* Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults: Not type 1, not type 2, a little of both - (https://www.ccjm.org/content/92/12/757)
Source-Medindia