Understanding Diabetes 1.5: A closer look at a less prevalent type of diabetes

Diabetes is a common health condition that affects many people worldwide. There is a type of diabetes called "Diabetes 1.5" or "Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults" (LADA) that many people may not know about. Based on certain studies, LADA might make up approximately 5% to 10% of the total number of diabetes cases.

Diabetes 1.5 is a type of diabetes that has features of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Like Type 1 diabetes, in case of LADA, the immune system attacks and damages the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This autoimmune process gradually leads to a decrease in insulin, which means that insulin therapy is needed. LADA progresses more slowly than Type 1 diabetes. LADA is similar to Type 2 diabetes.

People with LADA usually have a slim body and are more active than people with Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes usually starts in childhood or adolescence, while Type 2 diabetes is more common in older adults. However, LADA often appears in people between the ages of 30 and 50.

It is really important to accurately identify the type of diabetes so that we can manage and treat it effectively. Misclassifying LADA as Type 2 diabetes can cause delays in starting insulin treatment, which is important for preserving beta cell function.

LADA Diagnosis: Doctors need to do specific tests to tell the difference between LADA, Type 1, and Type 2 diabetes because they have similar symptoms.

1. Blood tests: A wide range of blood tests, including essential ones      like fasting blood glucose levels, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) tests to      determine the average blood sugar levels over the past few months, and autoantibody testing, will be required. LADA is identified by the presence of certain autoantibodies.

2. C-peptide assessment: This measurement shows how much insulin the pancreas produces. Low levels of C-peptide may mean less insulin production, which is a key sign of LADA.  

3. The glucose tolerance test: It is sometimes used to assess the body's ability to process glucose after consuming a sugary beverage.

Strategies for prevention: Preventing Diabetes 1.5 (LADA) is challenging due to its autoimmune nature. In order to reduce the likelihood of complications, individuals can manage their blood sugar levels by implementing the following modifications to their daily routines.

• Consume a well-rounded diet that includes ample amounts of fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein, and nutritious fats. Decrease the intake of unhealthy foods and sugary additives.

• Ensure that you engage in regular exercise, aiming for a minimum of 150 minutes per week at a moderate intensity level. This can enhance your body's insulin response.

• Minimise the likelihood of issues by attaining and sustaining a balanced weight.

• Remember to regularly check your sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels when you visit your doctor.

• Manage stress by practising calming activities such as yoga or meditation to prevent sudden decreases in blood sugar.

• Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can make diabetic complications more likely. It is best for people with diabetes to avoid or limit these habits.

If you have any concerns or questions about diabetes and how to manage it, talk to a healthcare professional. By doing this, you can get personalised advice and expert guidance that is specifically tailored to your unique situation.

The writer is a public health specialist.

E-mail: safrinarahman16@gmail.com