Autoimmune Diabetes, also referred to type 1 diabetes, is caused by some genetic or environmental factor, and is characterized by an overactive immune system that destroys the beta cells in the pancreas. The pancreas is then unable to secrete insulin and the body has no way to transfer sugar from the bloodstream into the muscles, fat, and tissuesforfuel.As the body needs insulin for glucose absorption and energy conversion, diabetics often feel weak and fatigued.This condition requires insulin in order to survive.
Latent autoimmune diabetesleft untreated for any amount of time can be critical, leading to issues such as diabetic neuropathy-never damage and diabetic retinopathy, which is a disorder or they eyes and can cause vision loss. Other conditions that can occur are kidney failure, heart disease, recurring infections, and gastrointestinal tract, urological and sexual dysfunctions. Physicians that have any uncertainty about a patients type of diabetes can administer a blood test to check for levels of ICA, IAA, IA2, IgA, and HLA. These tests compare the presence and levels of antibodies in the bloodstream and determine if an individual has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Due to possible misdiagnosis of diabetes autoimmune disease, it is beneficial to schedule yearly exams.
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adultsusually occurs early in an individual’s life, such as childhood or adolescence.It is less common, but this type of diabetes can affect older adults as well. When an older person contracts this disease, doctors refer to it as latent autoimmune diabetes mellitus.Because of the age of onset,doctors may misdiagnose individuals with this condition as having non-obesity related type 2 diabetes, versus type 1 latent autoimmune diabetes of adults.This misdiagnosis can be adverse to a person who truly requires insulin, but instead he or she is prescribed diet and exercise. Initially, people may respond to the diet modification and exercise regimen, but within months, their disease will progress and doctors will need to include insulin in their treatment plan.
Autoimmune Diabetes Symptoms
The autoimmune diabetes symptomsmay be difficult for an individual to notice or there may be no symptoms at all. For example, usually individuals who are overweight or obese are at increased risktype 2 diabetes, but in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults lada, people who have normal BMI’s are prone to this condition. Patients may not realize that they have anything wrong with them unless they start to notice the complications of diabetes, such as problems with their vision, bowels, or feet.
A person may have suffered severe damage from the diabetes without knowledge of the condition. An individual could show signs of this condition, but attribute them to an unrelated disease. For example, if a patient with undiagnosed autoimmunediabetes mellitus starts to see double, they may believe that they need glasses.The nerves in the occipital region have been damaged. Other symptoms may include impaired kidney function, increased blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol levels, stroke, and recurring infections. It is vital to see a doctor when any of these symptoms present.
