Hidden Type of Diabetes in Adults That Many Miss

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes: LADA or type 1.5 diabetes is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes in adults.

Autoimmune Cause: Adult-onset type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune response attacking the pancreas.

Slow Progression: Symptoms progress slowly, often taking months to develop.

Insulin Dependence: LADA often requires insulin therapy within a few years of diagnosis.

Adult-Onset: Type 1 diabetes can develop in adults, not just children.

Misdiagnosed as Type 2: LADA is often mistaken for type 2 diabetes due to similar symptoms.

Genetic Risk Factors: Family history and genetics play a significant role in developing LADA.

Distinct from Type 2: LADA has distinct characteristics, including autoimmune antibodies and insulin deficiency.

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis: Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and management.

More Common in Europeans: LADA is more common in people of European descent, especially those with a family history.