Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 are two general classifications for chronic illness marked by elevated blood sugar levels. There is, however, a newer kind of diabetes that shares traits with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It is known as Diabetes 1.5 or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA). But what is Diabetes 1.5? We got in touch with Dr Shibal Bhartiya Director, Community Outreach and Wellness, Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram who shares that adults who develop diabetes 1.5, also known as LADA, have characteristics of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
As opposed to Type 1 diabetes, which is frequently identified in children and young people, LADA usually appears beyond the age of thirty. It is an autoimmune disorder, similar to Type 1 diabetes, in which the body's immune system unintentionally targets the pancreatic cells that produce insulin.
Diabetes 1.5 is unique in that it progresses slowly. Patients with LADA may still make some insulin and respond to oral drugs commonly used for Type 2 diabetes, they may first be misdiagnosed as having Type 2 diabetes. But much like with Type 1 diabetes, the body's capacity to make insulin eventually decreases over time, requiring insulin therapy.
There is a strong genetic component to LADA, and people who have a family history of autoimmune illnesses or Type 1 diabetes may be more susceptible to the condition. Viral infections and other environmental stimuli may potentially play a role in the autoimmune response that initiates Diabetes 1.5.
1. Increased Blood Sugar Levels: Higher blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to work harder to filter and absorb the extra glucose, which increases thirst and frequency of urination.
2. Exhaustion: Persistent exhaustion can be caused by high blood sugar levels interfering with the body's capacity to use glucose for energy.
3. Unexpected weight loss: The body's incapacity to correctly use glucose may be the cause of weight loss even with a normal or higher food intake.
4. Vision loss: Elevated blood sugar can cause the eye's lenses to expand, limiting vision.
5. Slow wound healing: High blood sugar might hinder the immune system and circulation, which will slow down the healing process.
6. Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet: High blood sugar levels have the potential to cause nerve damage over time, which can result in numbness or tingling, especially in the extremities.
These symptoms may appear gradually because Type 1 diabetes develops more quickly than LADA. Patients may be able to control their condition with lifestyle modifications and oral medicines until insulin therapy is necessary.
- Frequent monitoring: After the age of thirty, especially, people with autoimmune illnesses or diabetes in their family should have routine blood sugar testing.
- Healthy lifestyle: You can prevent the onset of diabetes-related issues by eating a well-balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and learning to manage your stress.
1. Diet and exercise: Regular physical activity combined with a well-balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats can help control blood sugar levels.
2. Oral drugs: To help control blood sugar levels, patients may first be prescribed oral drugs like metformin. However, when the illness worsens, these drugs can stop working as well.
3. Insulin therapy: Insulin therapy is required when LADA worsens and the body's capacity to make insulin declines. Patients must routinely check their blood sugar levels and modify their insulin dosages as necessary.
4. Frequent health examinations: Careful observation by a doctor is necessary to modify treatment as the illness worsens and to handle any potential side effects.
2024-08-28T18:55:16Z dg43tfdfdgfd