What Is Lada Diabetes And How Is It Treated?

LADA stands for Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults and is sometimes referred to as Type 1.5 diabetes. It’s a slower progressing autoimmune form of diabetes that typically affects adults over the age of 30. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, which is diagnosed in childhood, and Type 2 diabetes, which is usually diagnosed in adulthood, LADA is often misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. This can lead to the wrong type of treatment being prescribed, which can result in poor blood sugar control.

LADA is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking and destroying the cells that produce insulin, just like Type 1 diabetes. This results in the body not being able to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. It is important to recognize the signs of LADA and get a proper diagnosis so that the appropriate treatment can be prescribed.

Signs and Symptoms of LADA

LADA is a slow progressing form of diabetes, so the signs and symptoms may go unnoticed for a long time. Common signs and symptoms include: excessive thirst and urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing cuts and bruises, and weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Diagnosing LADA Diabetes

Your doctor will likely perform a fasting blood glucose test to determine if you have diabetes. If the results of the test are high, they may recommend an A1C test. The A1C test measures the average blood glucose levels over a three-month period and is used to diagnose diabetes. Your doctor may also order an antibody test to help determine if the cause of the diabetes is autoimmune or not.

Treatment Guidelines for LADA Diabetes

The treatment for LADA is similar to the treatment for Type 1 diabetes. The aim of the treatment is to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range. The main treatments for LADA are a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and insulin injections. Your doctor may also recommend medications to help control your blood sugar levels.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is an important part of managing LADA diabetes. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help you manage your blood sugar levels. It’s also important to limit your intake of processed foods and foods that are high in sugar and fat. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can also help to keep your blood sugar levels in the normal range.

Regular Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is key to managing LADA diabetes. Exercise helps to lower your blood sugar levels, increases your sensitivity to insulin, and can help you maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day. This can include walking, jogging, swimming, or biking.

Insulin Injections

Insulin injections are the main treatment for LADA diabetes. Insulin helps to lower your blood sugar levels and is essential for keeping your diabetes under control. Your doctor will help you determine the type and dosage of insulin that is right for you. Insulin injections can be done multiple times a day or with an insulin pump.

Medications

Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help manage your blood sugar levels. These medications work in different ways and can be used alone or in combination with insulin injections. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and to take your medications as prescribed.

Conclusion

LADA is a slow progressing autoimmune form of diabetes that typically affects adults over the age of 30. It’s important to recognize the signs of LADA and get a proper diagnosis so that the appropriate treatment can be prescribed. The main treatments for LADA are a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and insulin injections. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help control your blood sugar levels. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can manage your LADA diabetes and live a healthy and active life.