Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are currently 425 million adults (20-79 years) living with diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 629 million by 2045. There are three types of diabetes, and while Type 1 and Type 2 are well-known, the third type of diabetes is lesser-known but just as important. In this article, we will be exploring the causes of the third type of diabetes.

What is the Third Type of Diabetes?

The third type of diabetes is also known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). LADA is a type of diabetes that has characteristics of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

It is often misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes because it develops slowly and in people over the age of 30, but it is actually an autoimmune disease like Type 1 diabetes. LADA is also sometimes referred to as slow onset Type 1 diabetes because it develops over a longer period of time than Type 1 diabetes.

What Causes LADA?

The exact cause of LADA is unknown, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Like with Type 1 diabetes, LADA is an autoimmune disease.

This means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to use glucose (sugar) for energy.

Research has shown that people with certain genes are more likely to develop LADA, but it is not solely a genetic condition. Environmental factors like viruses, toxins, and diet may also contribute to the development of LADA.

Studies have found that people who develop LADA have higher levels of certain antibodies in their blood than people with Type 2 diabetes, which suggests that there may be an immune response triggered by an environmental factor.

What Are the Symptoms of LADA?

The symptoms of LADA are similar to those of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. They include:.

increased thirst
increased urination
fatigue
blurry vision
weight loss
slow healing of cuts and bruises

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor for an evaluation. Early detection and treatment of LADA can help to prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Diagnosing LADA

Diagnosing LADA can be challenging because it is often misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. However, there are some key differences between the two types of diabetes that can help to differentiate them.

People with Type 2 diabetes are often overweight or obese, while people with LADA are usually of normal weight or even underweight. People with LADA are also more likely to require insulin therapy early on in their treatment, while people with Type 2 diabetes can often manage their blood sugar levels with diet and exercise alone.

To diagnose LADA, your doctor may order blood tests to check for high levels of glucose in your blood, as well as antibodies that are associated with autoimmune diseases.

Your doctor may also perform a test called a C-peptide test, which measures the amount of insulin that your body is producing. Low levels of C-peptide may indicate that your body is not producing enough insulin, which is a sign of LADA or Type 1 diabetes.

Treatment for LADA

The treatment for LADA is similar to the treatment for Type 1 diabetes. Because LADA is an autoimmune disease that destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, people with LADA require insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar levels.

This may include injections of insulin or the use of an insulin pump. In addition to insulin therapy, people with LADA may also benefit from making lifestyle changes like following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise to help manage their blood sugar levels.

Prevention and Management of LADA

While there is no known way to prevent LADA, there are steps that can be taken to manage the condition. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can help to prevent complications like heart disease and stroke.

Diet and exercise can also play an important role in managing blood sugar levels and preventing complications.

Conclusion

LADA is a type of diabetes that is often misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes, but it is actually an autoimmune disease like Type 1 diabetes.

The causes of LADA are not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Management of LADA involves insulin therapy, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and other health markers. Early detection and treatment of LADA can help to prevent complications and improve quality of life.