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Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a health condition that shares certain characteristics of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. LADA is also known as Type 1.5 diabetes.
LADA is successfully diagnosed during adulthood. Moreover, it is set in a gradual manner, similar to Type 2 diabetes. However, unlike Type 2 diabetes, LADA is primarily an autoimmune disease that cannot be reversed by making changes to your lifestyle or diet.
The functioning of your beta cells comes to a halt much more quickly if you develop 1.5 diabetes in comparison with the development of Type 2 diabetes.
LADA can easily be (and is often) wrongly diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. If you are in the adequate weight range, lead an active lifestyle, and have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, the chances of you having LADA are quite high.
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes In Adults Symptoms
LADA symptoms can be quite vague initially. These symptoms may include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Sudden, unexpected weight loss
- Blurry vision
- Tingling nerves
When left untreated, LADA can lead to other health complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes In Adults Causes
To understand the causes of LADA, it is essential to understand the differences between other primary types of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune health disease because it is the result of your own body destroying the beta cells of the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes is characterised primarily by your body’s resistance to the effects of insulin. Insulin resistance can be caused by genetic as well as environmental factors, such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and an unhealthy diet.
Type 1.5 diabetes can be the result of damage done to the pancreas by antibodies against insulin-producing cells. Genetic factors, too, maybe involved, such as a family history of autoimmune diseases. When the pancreas is damaged in LADA, the body destroys pancreatic beta cells, in the same way as that of Type 1 diabetes. If an individual with LADA happens to be obese or overweight, insulin resistance may also be involved.
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes In Adults Diagnosis
LADA occurs in adulthood; hence, it is commonly mistaken for Type 2 diabetes. Most individuals who have developed LADA are over 40 years of age. Moreover, individuals in their 70s and 80s, too, can develop LADA.
The process of being diagnosed with LADA can take a considerable amount of time. Individuals with LADA tend to meet the criteria mentioned below:
- Lack of obesity
- Being over the age of 30 during the time of diagnosis
- Inability to manage diabetes symptoms with oral medications or changes to diet and lifestyle
Tests to diagnose any form of types include the following:
- Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: This test is conducted on individuals after they have fasted for a minimum of 8 hours.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: This test is conducted after you have fasted for 8 hours, and 2 hours post-consumption of a high-glucose beverage.
- Random Plasma Glucose Test: This test assesses your blood sugar levels, without considering the last time you consumed food.
In addition to the above tests, your blood may also be tested for the presence of specific antibodies when you have developed a type of diabetes that is caused by autoimmune reactions in your body.
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes In Adults Treatment
LADA results from the inability of your body to produce sufficient insulin. However, because its onset is gradual, oral medications that are used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes can work initially.
As your body slows down the production of insulin, you will need insulin as an integral part of your treatment. Individuals who have developed LADA may need insulin within a period of 5 years.
Insulin treatment is the preferred method of treatment for those with LADA. The dosage of insulin that you may require can vary daily; hence, it is essential to monitor your blood sugar levels through testing.
On A Final Note
Presently, there is no way to prevent LADA. Similar to Type 1 diabetes, there are genetic factors involved during the disease’s progression. Prompt, accurate diagnosis and management of symptoms are the best ways to avoid complications arising from LADA.
