What is Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or the body’s cells become resistant to insulin. Many people are familiar with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but there is another type of diabetes that is lesser known – Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults (LADA). This type of diabetes is often misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes but requires different treatment. In this blog post, we will dive into the details of LADA, what causes it, and how it differs from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

LADA is often referred to as Type 1.5 diabetes because it displays characteristics of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. LADA is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, just like in Type 1 diabetes. However, LADA typically develops in adults over the age of 30, which is normally the age range for Type 2 diabetes. This can lead to confusion and misdiagnosis, as many doctors may assume that an adult with diabetes is suffering from Type 2, rather than LADA.

The symptoms of LADA are similar to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes – increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and fatigue. However, LADA may also present with slower onset and more gradual symptoms than Type 1 diabetes. Additionally, people with LADA may have normal or slightly elevated body weight, unlike the obesity commonly associated with Type 2 diabetes.

Diagnosis of LADA involves a blood test to assess for antibodies that attack the pancreas, in addition to other tests for glucose tolerance and insulin levels. If LADA is confirmed, treatment will differ from that of Type 2 diabetes. LADA patients often require insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar levels. However, LADA is less severe than Type 1 diabetes and may not require the same intensive treatment.

It's critical for people with LADA to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible, as delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis can lead to complications down the line. Left untreated, LADA can eventually progress to require insulin injections to manage blood sugar. However, with proper treatment, people with LADA can lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults (LADA) is a lesser-known type of diabetes that combines characteristics of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It typically affects adults over the age of 30 and requires different treatment than Type 2 diabetes. People with LADA may have normal or slightly elevated body weight, and symptoms can be milder and slower to onset than Type 1 diabetes. If you suspect that you may have LADA, it's imperative that you undergo proper testing and treatment to prevent complications. With the right diagnosis and treatment, people with LADA can lead healthy, normal lives.

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