Have you heard of Type 1.5 diabetes?

4 minutes
Un médecin parle avec une patiente

Diabetes, whether Type 1 and Type 2, is a fairly well-known condition. But what about Type 1.5 diabetes?

Let’s take a look at the lesser-known condition, whose characteristics overlap with both Types 1 and 2.

What is Type 1.5 diabetes?

The reason it is called Type 1.5 diabetes is because it shares autoimmune features with Type 1 and the gradual onset of Type 2—so, it's kind of a hybrid. It is also known as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA).

Why is LADA a type of diabetes? Because it occurs when autoantibodies in the blood attack insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

What are beta cells used for?

Located in the pancreas, beta cells regulate blood sugar levels by producing and secreting insulin.

What sets LADA apart from other types of diabetes?

Unlike Type 1, LADA progresses more slowly. For some, insulin injections only become necessary after months or even years after diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of Type 1.5?

Generally appearing in people aged 30 to 50 of normal weight, the key symptoms are pretty much the same as the other types, namely:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Unexplained and significant weight loss
  • Blurry vision
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Dry, itchy skin

They manifest themselves much more slowly than in people with Type 1 diabetes but, when left untreated, the symptoms of LADA worsen over time.

A diagnosis that's not always obvious

Although lesser-known, Type 1.5 diabetes is much more common that people think. It is estimated that between 4% and 12% of Type 2 diabetics may actually have LADA.

More numbers

There are approximately 530 million Type 2 diabetics around the world. This suggests that between 21 and 63 million people are misdiagnosed, and actually have Type 1.5.

In order to avoid misdiagnosis, healthcare professionals must see past the similarities and examine all hypotheses.

Some factors, like age, are more important than others because it immediately rules out Type 1, which manifests itself in childhood and adolescence. LADA affects adults only.

Type 2 diabetes tends to affect people aged 40 and over who suffer from obesity and other underlying health issues like:/p>

  • Cardiovascular diseases (stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure, thrombosis, etc.)
  • Hepatic steatosis
  • etc.

Another clue that a person is suffering from Type 1.5 diabetes is insulin production. In the early stages of LADA, the body is still able to produce it. This means that patients may get insulin treatment more than six months after diagnosis, which delays necessary therapy. In general, the need for insulin arises earlier in Type 1.5 diabetics than in those with Type 2.

Do screening tests exist?

Yes, tests are available to detect specific autoantibodies associated with the condition.

A registry for diabetics

Do you know the BETTER Registry (This hyperlink will open in a new tab)? It’s a Canadian database where data on the lifestyle habits, family history, symptoms and blood samples of diabetics is collected.

The goal is to better understand the disease in order to treat it more effectively.

Still unsure?

According to the Immunology for Diabetes Society, the following are three tell-take signs of Type  1.5:

  • The patient is over 30.
  • The autoantibodies test is positive.
  • After being misdiagnosed as Type 2, they did not require insulin for six months.

How is Type 1.5 treated?

Mild LADA symptoms can be improved by making healthy lifestyle choices: 

There are several ways to treat LADA. Oral medication (including metformin) can be used to increase insulin sensitivity, especially in the early stages when the body is still producing it.
Over time, insulin therapy often becomes necessary when blood glucose levels prove difficult to control.

Universal treatment is not yet available

At present, there is no universally recognized treatment for Type 1.5.

LADA diabetics need to adopt healthy lifestyle habits more quickly than those with Type 2 diabetes. If you’re doing that, keep it up!

It’s important for healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, to monitor the progress of the condition so they can adapt the treatment plan.

As with all other types of diabetes, slowing the progression of LADA requires ongoing care because it can lead to other health problems.

The most important thing is to take the medication that helps you manage your blood sugar levels. This will help you stay healthy in the short term and avoid complications.

What happens when Type 1.5 is left untreated?

The repercussions of a misdiagnosis or late diagnosis can be significant.

The main complication stems from not getting treatment. When LADA is mistaken for Type 2 diabetes, the patient may not receive insulin as soon as they should, which can increase the risk of kidney and eye damage.

Living with Type 1.5 can be stressful, especially the anxiety related to the daily management of the condition. These challenges can affect a person’s mental health. To maintain balance, ask for the right support and practice the art of self management.

Take care of yourself

Living with Type 1.5 can be a challenge, but with proper monitoring and health management, maintaining a fulfilling life is possible. Every effort counts, and remember, resources and treatment are available.