What is LADA (Type 1.5 Diabetes), and how does it relate to type 1 diabetes?
LADA, sometimes called "type 1.5 diabetes," is an autoimmune form of diabetes that shares characteristics with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Like type 1, it involves the immune system attacking the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas — Show Full Answer
What is LADA (Type 1.5 Diabetes), and how does it relate to type 1 diabetes?
LADA, sometimes called "type 1.5 diabetes," is an autoimmune form of diabetes that shares characteristics with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Like type 1, it involves the immune system attacking the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas — but it develops much more slowly, typically in adults over 30.
Here's what makes LADA distinct:
- It progresses gradually, so some insulin production remains at first
- It's most commonly diagnosed in adults between ages 30 and 50
- It's often mistaken for type 2 diabetes early on
- It involves autoantibodies (most commonly GAD antibodies) attacking the pancreas
- Unlike type 2, it is NOT caused by insulin resistance A myT1Dteam member shared a powerful story about going 20 years with a misdiagnosis before a hospitalization finally led to proper antibody testing and a correct type 1 diagnosis — after which their A1c dropped from 11.3 to 5.8 in just three months. Getting the right diagnosis really matters!
The best way to confirm LADA is through a simple blood test checking for autoantibodies. If autoantibodies are present, LADA is the likely diagnosis. Over time, insulin therapy will become necessary as the pancreas loses its ability to produce enough insulin.
It's worth talking to your doctor or endocrinologist if you suspect LADA, especially if your current management doesn't seem to be working as expected.
September 3
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