Early diagnosis of latent diabetes 1.5 in adults

Diagnosis of latent diabetes in adults is based on time of onset, presence of autoantibodies against GAD, ICA, IAA, and absence of insulin for at least 6 months after diagnosis.

Latent adult diabetes 1.5 is also known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). The mechanism underlying the development of latent diabetes mellitus 1.5 in adults is still unknown. In the early stages, the pancreas is damaged but still partially functioning, so it can be stimulated to increase insulin secretion with some oral drugs.
Autoimmune damage to the pancreas in adult diabetes 1.5 is evidenced by the presence of autoantibodies as in type 1 diabetes . Immune damage occurs more slowly because of protective genes. But more than half of people with diabetes 1.5 go to insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes after about 5 years.

Diagnosis of latent diabetes 1.5 in adults includes:
Onset of diabetes in adulthood: The ages for diagnosis are between 25 and 45 years. The current lower limit of age for diagnosis is 30 years. Having autoantibodies against GAD, ICA, IAA: Positive for at least one of the antibodies commonly seen in type 1 diabetes, antibody to islet cell autoantigen-2 antibodies: ICA-2), anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 autoantibodies (GADA or anti-GAD), anti-islet cell autoantibodies (ICA), and anti-insulin autoantibodies (IAA). If diagnosed without insulin for at least 6 months: The criterion of not requiring insulin for at least 6 months after this diagnosis is used to distinguish latent diabetes 1.5 from type 1 diabetes, but it is subjective dependence of the treating physician. Body mass index (BMI) < 25KG/m2, autoimmune or genetic disease: BMI and autoimmune diseases can occur in any form of diabetes. A high score may suggest an antibody test to help diagnose type 1.5 diabetes early.

However, diagnostic criteria can all have their own limitations. Specifically:
Clinical criteria for age and insulin depend on the examination, treatment trial and decision of the physician. The criteria for autoantibodies are not only specific for type 1.5 diabetes but also type 1 diabetes. For detailed advice, please visit Vinmec health system directly or Register online HERE.