Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes #455 Defining Diabetes: LADA Diabetes
Mar 19, 2021
Jennifer Smith, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator living with type 1 diabetes, dives deep into LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults). She unpacks how LADA can often be mistaken for type 1 or type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis through antibody testing. The conversation touches on the role of the immune system in autoimmune diseases and innovative treatments. They also discuss the need for community support and accessible diabetes resources to improve management.
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Understanding LADA Diabetes
- LADA is a slow-progressing autoimmune diabetes usually diagnosed in adults over 30.
- It differs from type 1 by its gradual beta cell destruction and longer honeymoon phase.
Request Antibody Testing
- Ask your doctor for antibody testing if diagnosed with type 2 but have a lean, active lifestyle.
- This can clarify if you have LADA, a slow onset autoimmune diabetes, instead of type 2.
Misdiagnosis of LADA Case
- Jennifer shared a case of a marathon runner misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes who actually had LADA.
- He was in DKA and needed insulin, illustrating common diagnostic confusion.