What is LADA?

LADA is sometimes called "Type 1.5 Diabetes." It is autoimmune (like Type 1) but progresses much more slowly and occurs in adults (usually over age 30). It is often misdiagnosed as Type 2 Diabetes.

How is it different from Type 2?

• Autoimmune: Positive GAD antibodies (like Type 1).
• Weight: Patients are often not overweight.
• Progression: Pills (like Metformin) may work at first, but insulin is eventually required because the beta cells die off.

Why does the diagnosis matter?

If you have LADA and are treated like Type 2 (with Sulfonylureas like Glyburide), it may speed up beta cell destruction. Insulin-sparing medications (like Metformin or GLP-1s) are preferred.

Treatment:

• Early: GLP-1 agonists or Metformin may work.
• Eventually: Insulin is needed as beta cells fail.