What is type 1.5 diabetes? It’s a bit like type 1 diabetes and a bit like type 2 diabetes – but it’s often misdiagnosed

While you’re probably familiar with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, you’ve probably heard less about type 1.5 diabetes.

Type 1.5 diabetes, also known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), is characterized by the following features: both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

More people learned about this condition after Lance Basbest known for his role in the iconic American pop band NSYNC, recently revealed He has it.

So what is type 1.5 diabetes? And how is it diagnosed and treated?

There are several types of diabetes

Diabetes is a group of conditions that occur when the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood is higher than normal. In fact, there are more than ten types diabetes, but the most common They are type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce the hormone insulin. This leads to very little or no insulin being produced.

Insulin is vital for transporting glucose from the blood into our cells where it can be used as an energy source, which is why people with type 1 diabetes need it daily intake of insulin medication.Type 1 diabetes usually it appears in children and teenage adults.

Type 2 diabetes is not an autoimmune disease. It occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin over time, and the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to overcome this resistanceUnlike type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes still produce some insulin.

Type 2 is more common in adults, but more and more observed in children and adolescents. Management may contain behavioral changes such as nutrition and physical activity, as well as oral medications and insulin therapy.

How does type 1.5 diabetes differ from type 1 and 2 diabetes?

Like type 1 diabetes, type 1.5 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. However, people with type 1.5 diabetes often do not need insulin immediately because their condition progresses more slowly. Most people with type 1.5 diabetes will need to take insulin for five years diagnosis, while in people with type 1 diabetes it is usually required at the diagnosis stage.

Type 1.5 diabetes is usually diagnosed in people over 30probably because of the leisurely progression of the disease. This is higher than the typical age of diagnosis for type 1 diabetes but lower than the typical age of diagnosis for type 2 diabetes.

Actions for type 1.5 diabetes genetic and autoimmune risk factors with type 1 diabetes, such as specific gene variants. However, evidence also shows that it may be due to lifestyle factors, such as obesity AND lack of physical activity which are more often associated with type 2 diabetes.

What are the symptoms and how are they treated?

The symptoms of type 1.5 diabetes vary greatly from person to person. Some people have no symptoms at all. However, in general, people may experience the following symptoms symptoms:

• increased thirst
• constant urination
• tiredness
• blurred vision
• unintentional weight loss.

Typically type 1.5 diabetes is initially treated with oral medications to keep blood glucose levels within normal limits. Depending on glucose control and medications taken, people with type 1.5 diabetes may need to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly throughout the day.

When average blood glucose levels rise beyond the normal range even with oral medications, treatment may switch to insulin. However, there are It is not widely accepted strategies for the management and treatment of type 1.5 diabetes.

Type 1.5 diabetes is often misdiagnosed

Lance Bass said he was initially diagnosed with Type 2 diabetesbut later he found out that he actually has type 1.5 diabetes. That is not exactly rareEstimates suggest that type 1.5 diabetes is misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes 5-10% of the time.

There are several possible reasons for this state of affairs.

First, to properly diagnose type 1.5 diabetes and distinguish it from other types of diabetes, it is necessary to conduct special tests. antibody tests (a type of blood test) to detect autoimmune markers. Not all healthcare providers necessarily order these tests routinely, either because of concerns about cost or because they may not consider them.

Second, type 1.5 diabetes is common in adults, so doctors may wrongly assume that a person has developed type 2 diabetes, which is more common in this age group (whereas type 1 diabetes usually affects children and teenage adults).

Thirdly, people with type 1.5 diabetes often initially produce enough insulin in the body to control blood glucose without having to start insulin treatment. This can make their condition resemble type 2 diabetes, in which people also produce some insulin.

Because type 1.5 diabetes has symptoms which are similar to type 2 diabetes, it may be initially treated as type 2 diabetes.

We are still learning about type 1.5

Compared to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, significantly fewer studies have been conducted on the incidence of type 1.5 diabetes, especially in non-European populationsIt is estimated that in 2023, type 1.5 diabetes will account for 8.9% all cases of diabetes, which is similar to type 1 diabetes. However, more research is needed to get exact numbers.

Overall, awareness of type 1.5 diabetes was circumscribed and unclear diagnostic criteria which has slowed down our knowledge of this condition.

Misdiagnosis can be stressful and confusing. For people with type 1.5 diabetes, misdiagnosis with type 2 diabetes can mean they don’t get the insulin they need at the right time. This can lead to worsening health and a greater likelihood of complications in the future.

Getting the right diagnosis helps people get the most appropriate treatment, save money and reduce their risk. Diabetic sufferingIf you experience symptoms that may indicate diabetes or have concerns about your diagnosis, monitor your symptoms and talk to your doctor.