LADA: The Diabetes Type That Looks Like Type 2 but Acts Like Type 1
LADA, or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, is a rare form of Type 1 diabetes that develops slowly and often goes misdiagnosed. Understanding its features can help people get the right treatment.
Evidence label explains the kind of source behind this article (for example peer-reviewed literature vs community video). It is not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- LADA is technically a subtype of Type 1 diabetes, even though it shares some characteristics with Type 2
- LADA develops gradually in adults, unlike the sudden onset typical of Type 1 diabetes in younger people
- Getting an accurate LADA diagnosis is important because it affects which treatment approach is most appropriate
- LADA can be confused with Type 2 diabetes because it appears in older adults and progresses more slowly
What Is LADA?
LADA stands for latent autoimmune diabetes in adults. It is sometimes called "Type 1.5 diabetes" because it shares features of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Despite its similarities to Type 2, LADA is technically classified as a subtype of Type 1 diabetes.
Why LADA Is Often Missed
Doctors typically diagnose diabetes type by looking at several clues: blood test results, physical characteristics, and how quickly the diabetes develops. The classic Type 1 presentation is a younger, thinner person with sudden, severe onset and ketoacidosis. The classic Type 2 presentation is an older, heavier adult with gradual increases in blood glucose.
LADA appears in older adults and develops slowly—more like Type 2. This gradual onset can make it easy for healthcare providers to initially diagnose it as Type 2 diabetes. However, getting the correct diagnosis matters, because Type 1 and Type 2 require different treatment approaches.
Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters
When people are misdiagnosed with the wrong type of diabetes, they often do not receive appropriate treatment. Because LADA can appear similar to Type 2 diabetes on the surface, it may be incorrectly treated as Type 2, which could lead to inadequate care for the underlying autoimmune condition.
Evidence label
Source: YouTube community video. Evidence type: Community video — lay discussion, not peer-reviewed research. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.
Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.
Related reading
More evidence-labeled coverage across the Type1Cure library.
- Cure ResearchStem Cell Research Offers New Hope—But Questions RemainCommunity video — lay discussion, not peer-reviewed research
- Cure ResearchWhat Science Now Knows About Beta Cell Regeneration in Type 1 DiabetesCommunity video — lay discussion, not peer-reviewed research
- Cure ResearchWhat We Know About Beta Cell Regeneration Research in DiabetesCommunity video — lay discussion, not peer-reviewed research
- Cure ResearchCan Beta Cells Recover? What Research Shows About Pancreatic Function and Type 2 DiabetesCommunity video — lay discussion, not peer-reviewed research
- Cure ResearchWhat Is the Islet Cell Act? A Guide to Proposed Changes in Transplant RegulationCommunity video — lay discussion, not peer-reviewed research
- Cure ResearchUnderstanding Beta Cell Function in Type 2 Diabetes: What Research ShowsCommunity video — lay discussion, not peer-reviewed research