You may ask, “What is a latent diabetic?” Latent diabetic autoimmunity is similar to type-1 diabetes, but it occurs in adults and is sometimes mistaken for type-2 diabetes. The disorder is deemed latent diabetes in adult (LADA) or sometime diabetes type 1.5. In type-1 diabetes patients cannot produce insulin on their own due to an autoimmune disorder where antibodies attack the cells in the pancreas which produces insulin. Islet autoantibodies, which are commonly found in type-1 diabetes, are also present in a latent diabetic.
A latent diabetic will be diagnosed with LADA if they meet the following criteria:
- They are at least 30 years of age.
- They test positive for at least one of the autoantibodies found in type-1 diabetes.
- They have been free from insulin treatment for the first six months after diagnosis.
LADA is also similar to type-2 diabetes is that it occurs in adults, there is typically as similar Body Mass Index (BMI), increased insulin resistance is also present. Therefore, diagnosing a latent diabetic correctly can be very difficult. It is important for physicians to distinguish, however, because the treatment needed for latent diabetic autoimmunity is very different. Two tests must be given to a latent diabetic in order to get a definitive diagnosis.
Latent Diabetic Treatment
The discovery of this ‘cross’ between the two types of diabetes is fairly recent. So, as of yet there is no single optimal treatment for LADA. Some studies show that early insulin therapy in LADA is safe and helps to preserve metabolic control. Yet, other studies say that there is not enough evidence to support the use of insulin in LADA. Researchers are just beginning to understand the pathophysiology of LADA. They are still struggling, in fact, to come up with a standardized definition of the condition. Though proper treatment issues of LADA are still controversial, early insulin therapy is most commonly recommended.
The dietary guidelines for a latent diabetic are similar to those given to patients with type-1 diabetes. Patients with obesity should follow a healthy reduced calorie diet, according to ClinicalAdvisor.com. They should also speak with their physician about acceptable ways of increasing their physical activities. In any case, physicians should follow up to insure that patients are adhering to their diet and exercise plans.
Another similarity between a latent diabetic and a type-2 diabetic is the likeliness of complications. A latent diabetic should be evaluated for cardiovascular risks in particular. LADA patients carry similar risks for coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease as patients of type-2 diabetes.
