Did you know about Type 1.5 Diabetes?

Type 1.5 Diabetes or Latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA) is an adult onset autoimmune diabetes which shares features of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. It is often considered a subtype of Type 1 Diabetes but is mistaken for Type 2 diabetes

LADA or Type 1.5 Diabetes is diagnosed under the following criteria- It affects people of more than 30 years, there is no dependency on insulin for at least the initial 6 months after initial diagnosis and there exist positive autoantibodies to islet beta cells.

Although Type 1.5 Diabetes may not show any symptoms at early onset, some of the symptoms include polyuria ( more than normal urination), increased thirst and hunger, sometimes blurred vision, weight loss and tiredness and fatigue, and in later cases diabetic ketoacidosis.

Management and treatment of Type 1.5 Diabetes is similar to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes including medication and insulin therapy as the case maybe Prevention of Type 1.5 Diabetes is also similar highlighting the importance of weight loss, diet, exercise, and leading a healthy lifestyle