Type 1.5 Diabetes

Type 1.5 diabetes, also known as latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA), is a form of diabetes where an adult has aspects of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes is caused by an autoimmune destruction of beta cells in the pancreas. As the beta cells are destroyed the amount of insulin released decreases and eventually stops leaving the person dependent on injections of insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is caused by insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction. Type 2 diabetics may can control blood sugar levels with medication, diet, and exercise and may require insulin injections as well. While type 2 diabetes may be prevented and reversed, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. .

Type 1.5 diabetes has also been called slow-progressing Type 1 diabetes. Researchers noticed that a number of patients who did not require insulin at the time they were diagnosed with diabetes also showed a significant number auto-antibodies. Specifically antibodies that target beta cells in the pancreas, destroying their ability to manufacture insulin. Type 1.5 diabetics may be able to control their blood sugar levels with diet and oral medication initially, but within a few years they will need to use insulin because of the destruction of their beta cells. Type 1.5 diabetics should also be screened for auto-antibodies to adrenal and thyroid cells as they are at a higher risk of also having autoimmune diseases.

Below is a chart comparing the key characteristics of Types 1, 1.5, and 2 diabetes.