Diabetes is one of the leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. A chronic metabolic disease that occurs when blood sugar levels increase in the body. There are many types of diabetes but the most common are type 1 and type 2. But have you heard of diabetes type 1.5?
Diabetes type 1.5, known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), has features of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
According to a report by Science Alert, type 1.5 occurs when the immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that make insulin. However, people with type 1.5 often don't need insulin right away because the condition develops gradually.
Unlike type 1 diabetes, most people with type 1.5 diabetes will need to use insulin within five years of diagnosis.
Type 1.5 diabetes is most likely to be diagnosed in people over the age of 30. This is usually older than the typical age for type 1 diabetes, but younger than the typical diagnosis age for type 2.
Although type 1.5 diabetes has the same genetic and autoimmune risk factors as type 1 diabetes, evidence has also shown that it may be influenced by lifestyle factors, such as obesity and physical inactivity, which are commonly associated with type 2 diabetes.
What are the symptoms of diabetes type 1.5?
The symptoms of type 1.5 diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- frequent urination
- Tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Unintentional weight loss.
It is worth noting that people with type 1.5 diabetes may need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly throughout the day. Currently, there is no universally accepted management or treatment strategy for type 1.5 diabetes. Furthermore, diabetes type 1.5 is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, as reported by Science Alert, awareness about type 1.5 diabetes is limited and diagnostic criteria are also unclear.