Not all diabetes is just Type 1 or Type 2. There’s also LADA, which stands for Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults, often called type 1.5.
It usually appears in adults over 30 and develops slowly, so many people, and even doctors, mistake it for type 2 diabetes. The symptoms — like thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, weight loss, and repeated infections — look the same.
But unlike type 2, LADA is actually an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system gradually destroys the cells that make insulin. At first, oral medicines or diet changes may seem to work, but over time they fail because what the body really needs is insulin therapy.
If left untreated, blood sugar remains high and can lead to serious problems like nerve damage, heart issues, or even a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.
The only way to confirm LADA is through antibody tests such as GAD, ICA, IAA, IA2, and ZnT8. Regular sugar or A1c tests alone cannot detect it.
The good news is that with the right diagnosis, proper insulin treatment, and in some cases newer medicines like GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy), people with LADA can live healthy, balanced lives.
Absolutely! LADA is one of those conditions that often flies under the radar because its onset is so gradual. Many people assume it’s type 2 diabetes because of the age factor and initial response to lifestyle changes or oral medications. I think more awareness is needed around LADA so adults experiencing unexplained symptoms or poor response to standard type 2 treatments can get the right tests and care early on.
Absolutely LADA is often overlooked and misdiagnosed as type 2, which delays proper treatment. Awareness and antibody testing are key for early diagnosis and timely insulin therapy.