Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA)

Symptoms

• Frequent urination
• Extreme thirst
• Hunger
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing of cuts and wounds
• Dry, itchy skin
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Mood changes

It is important to note that some people with LADA may not have any symptoms at all when they are first diagnosed. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They will be able to help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.

Causes

The exact cause of LADA is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the potential causes of LADA include:

• Genetics: LADA tends to run in families, which suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disease.
• Environmental factors: Some environmental factors, such as viruses or toxins, may trigger the autoimmune response that leads to LADA.
• Immune system dysfunction: In people with LADA, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This autoimmune response is thought to be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Risk factors

There are several risk factors that may increase a person's chances of developing LADA. These include:

• Family history: People with a family history of diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes, may be more likely to develop LADA.
• Age: LADA is more common in people over the age of 30.
• Race: Some studies have suggested that LADA may be more common in certain racial groups, including white and Hispanic individuals.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase a person's risk of developing LADA.
• Viral infections: Some viral infections, such as mumps or rubella, may increase a person's risk of developing LADA.
• Exposure to toxins: Exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticides, may increase a person's risk of developing LADA.

It is important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that a person will develop LADA. Similarly, people who do not have any of these risk factors may still develop the disease.

Complications

If left untreated, LADA can lead to a number of serious complications. Some of the potential complications of LADA include:

• Cardiovascular disease: People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
• Neuropathy: High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet.
• Nephropathy: Diabetes can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure and the need for dialysis.
• Retinopathy: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss.
• Foot problems: People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing foot problems, including sores, infections, and amputations.
• Skin problems: Diabetes can cause changes in the skin, leading to dryness, itching, and infections.

It is important for people with LADA to carefully manage their blood sugar levels and receive appropriate treatment to reduce the risk of complications.

How to diagnose it?

There are several tests that may be used to diagnose LADA, including:

• Blood tests: A healthcare professional may order a blood test to measure the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. High blood sugar levels may indicate the presence of diabetes.
• A1C test: This test measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. It is a good indicator of long-term blood sugar control.
• Autoantibody tests: LADA is often accompanied by the presence of certain antibodies in the blood. These antibodies may be detected through a blood test.
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): This test measures how well the body is able to process sugar. During the OGTT, a person is given a sugary drink and their blood sugar levels are measured at regular intervals over the next 2 hours.

A healthcare professional will consider the results of these tests, as well as a person's symptoms and medical history, to diagnose LADA. It is important for people with LADA to receive a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent complications.

How to control it?

There is no sure way to prevent LADA, as the exact cause of the disease is not fully understood. However, there are some lifestyle changes that may reduce a person's risk of developing LADA or other types of diabetes:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for LADA and other types of diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise may help reduce the risk of developing the disease.
• Eat a healthy diet: A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of developing diabetes.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing diabetes and other serious health problems.
• Limit alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. It is important to drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.

It is important to note that these lifestyle changes may not completely prevent the development of LADA, but they can help reduce the risk. If you are concerned about your risk of developing LADA, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.

When you should visit the doctor

If you are experiencing any symptoms of LADA, such as frequent urination, extreme thirst, or fatigue, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They will be able to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.

It is also a good idea to visit a healthcare professional regularly for check-ups, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. This can help catch any potential health problems early, when they are most treatable.

In general, it is a good idea to visit a healthcare professional at least once a year for a physical examination and to discuss any concerns you may have about your health. If you have LADA or are at high risk of developing the disease, it is important to work closely with a healthcare professional to manage your condition and prevent complications.

FAQs