LADA is type 1 diabetes, but when you first develop it, it can be mistaken for type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes most often develops in young people when your immune system mistakenly destroys the beta cells in your pancreas that make insulin. This usually progresses quickly, but with LADA, the process happens slowly and starts in adults 35 years old or older, which is why it can be misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Over time (a few months or even years) the body slowly loses the ability to make insulin and you eventually need to take insulin to live.
In addition to standard tests to diagnose diabetes, your doctor will likely request the following:
Early recognition is key to helping manage blood glucose levels and prevent or delay complications. Because LADA is type 1 diabetes, the symptoms are are the same. Learn about the symptoms of type 1 diabetes.
In addition to the autoimmune process, genetics play a role in developing LADA. You might be at higher risk due to:
Get the right care for you. Your treatment plan should be made to meet your own needs and health goals.
Understand how diabetes can impact your mental wellbeing.
Healthy eating for diabetes not only helps to manage your blood glucose (blood sugar), but it also helps you have a better relationship with food.
From blood glucose meters and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to insulin pumps and more, there are lots of options so that you can find what works best for you.
With your support, the American Diabetes Association® can continue our lifesaving work to make breakthroughs in research and provide people with the resources they need to fight diabetes.
