Latent autoimmune diabetes facts for kids
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a type of diabetes that shares features with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Like type 1 diabetes, LADA is an autoimmune disease. This means your body's immune system accidentally attacks the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. But LADA is also like type 2 diabetes because it can cause insulin resistance. This means the insulin your body makes doesn't work as well as it should.
Most people with LADA are not overweight. They might be thin or have a normal body weight. However, some people with LADA can be a bit overweight.
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What is LADA?
LADA is sometimes called "Type 1.5 diabetes" because it's a mix of Type 1 and Type 2. It's an autoimmune disease, just like Type 1 diabetes. But it usually develops slowly, like Type 2 diabetes.
How LADA is Different
LADA vs. Type 1 Diabetes
The main difference between LADA and type 1 diabetes is how quickly they start. Type 1 diabetes usually comes on very fast. LADA, however, develops slowly over time.
In type 1 diabetes, the body stops making insulin completely. If a person with type 1 diabetes gets an insulin shot, it works well. With LADA, the body's immune system also attacks insulin-making cells. But even if a person with LADA gets insulin, it might not work as well because of insulin resistance.
LADA vs. Type 2 Diabetes
Most people with LADA will eventually need to take insulin shots. This usually happens within 3 to 15 years of diagnosis. This is different from type 2 diabetes, where only about 20% to 30% of people end up needing insulin.
Another key difference is age. Type 2 diabetes can affect people of any age, even kids. But LADA usually affects adults, often those aged 35 and older. It can sometimes affect people in their 20s.
In LADA, the pancreas can't make enough insulin because the immune system is attacking its cells. This doesn't happen in type 2 diabetes. While some people think LADA is completely separate from family history, some people with LADA do have family members with type 2 diabetes.
How LADA is Found and Treated
Sometimes, doctors might first think a person with LADA has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. A special blood test can help find out for sure. This test looks for a specific antibody called a GAD antibody. People with LADA usually have this antibody.
People with LADA often manage their condition with lifestyle changes, similar to those with type 2 diabetes. This includes:
- Eating healthy foods.
- Getting regular exercise.
- Taking oral medications.
Unlike some people with type 2 diabetes who might never need insulin, LADA patients usually need to start insulin shots within a few years.
Possible Health Problems
The health problems that can come from LADA are similar to those from type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These can include serious issues like:
Genes and Antibodies
Scientists have found specific antibodies called glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies that are strongly linked to LADA. There are also certain genes, like TCF7L2, that are connected to both type 2 diabetes and LADA.
Related pages
Images for kids
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The immune system attacking Glutamate decarboxylase (shown here) is a key part of LADA.
See also
In Spanish: Diabetes LADA para niños
