The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes)

A slowly progressive autoimmune type 1 diabetes form that begins in adulthood.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Endokrinoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes)?

LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) is a form of diabetes that begins in individuals over 30 years of age, is autoimmune in origin but does not require insulin at the start. It is sometimes called 'type 1.5 diabetes'. It accounts for 2-12% of all cases of diabetes diagnosed in adults.

Similar to type 1 diabetes, there is autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells; however this destruction is slower. Autoantibodies such as GAD65, IA-2 and ZnT8 are positive. Although most patients do not have insulin resistance at baseline, insulin deficiency progressively develops.

For diagnosis, the criteria are diagnosis after age 30, at least one positive autoantibody, and no insulin requirement during the first 6 months. Autoantibody testing is recommended in patients followed as type 2 diabetes, especially in lean patients who respond poorly to sulfonylureas.

Symptoms

Hyperglycaemia beginning in adulthood
Mild polyuria and polydipsia at onset
Normal or low body weight
Sparse features of metabolic syndrome
Slowly progressive hyperglycaemia
Decreasing response to oral antidiabetics
Tendency to weight loss
Risk of ketosis and ketoacidosis (in later stages)

Risk Factors

New diabetes diagnosis after age 30
Family history of type 1 diabetes
Other autoimmune diseases (thyroiditis, coeliac)
Normal BMI and lean body habitus
HLA-DR3 and HLA-DR4 positivity
Female sex
Genetic predisposition
Environmental triggers (viral infections)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Unexpected diabetes diagnosis in an adult
  • Worsening glucose despite type 2 treatment
  • Hyperglycaemia in normal-weight adults
  • History of other autoimmune disease
  • Findings of weight loss and ketosis
  • Family history of type 1 diabetes

Treatment Methods

01
Autoantibody testing (GAD65, IA-2, ZnT8)
02
C-peptide measurement
03
Early insulin therapy (preserving beta-cell function)
04
Avoidance of sulfonylureas
05
Metformin and DPP-4 inhibitors (initially)
06
GLP-1 receptor agonists
07
Lifestyle and dietary therapy
08
Long-term endocrinology follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Endokrinoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Endokrinoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) — Comprehensive

Endokrinoloji

LADA is a slowly progressive autoimmune form of diabetes that presents in adults over 30, characterized by positive GAD antibodies, initial non-insulin dependence (over 6 months), and gradual beta-cell failure typically requiring insulin within 3-12 years of diagnosis.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.