Latent Autoimmune Diabetes In Adults

This type of diabetes is also known by the title of type 1.5 diabetes. In essence, it is when type 1 diabetes forms in an adult.

What happens with type 1 diabetics is that their body mistakes the pancreas for a foreign object. The reason that it does this is because of a hereditary autoimmune disorder- hence the name. The body believes that a foreign object is presents and begins to attack it. In the process, valuable beta islet cells, which are used to produce the body's supply of insulin are destroyed.

One common problem with type 1.5 diabetes is that it is often confused with type 2 diabetes since it typically involves adults between the ages of 30 and 50. This is such a common occurrence that it can happen as often in one in every three cases of diabetes.

Symptoms of type 1.5 diabetes differ from type 2 in several different ways. For one, type 2 diabetes are often overweight, whereas type 1.5 diabetics usually have a lean or normal body mass index. This will not be due to an unexplained weight loss, but represents their normal appearance. Also, there is usually no history of type 2 diabetes in the family.

The normal course of action can be prescribed in one of two ways. The doctor may request that the individual be immediately placed on medications and alter their diet and exercise routine. Sometimes the physician will recommend that diet and exercise be followed first, with perhaps adding medications into the routine later on.