Types

Type 1.5

aka Slow Onset Type 1 and LADA

Type 1.5 is one of several names now applied to those who are diagnosed with diabetes as adults, but who do not immediately require insulin for treatment, are often not overweight, and have little or no resistance to insulin. When special lab tests are done, they are found to have antibodies, especially GAD65 antibodies, that attack their beta cells. This sort of diabetes is sometimes called Slow Onset Type 1 or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults or LADA.

Type 1 Diabetes

In the early 1980's, a breakthrough occurred in the understanding of diabetes. Researchers discovered antibodies in the blood of some people with diabetes which targeted the beta cells making insulin. This discovery revealed that Type 1 diabetes, which was then called childhood diabetes, was actually an autoimmune disease where the body destroyed its own beta cells because they appeared to be foreign. The presence of these antibodies distinguished it from Type 2 or adult onset diabetes.

What Type of Diabetes Do I Have?

When you were diagnosed, you were probably told you had either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Clear-cut and tidy. Since diabetes occurs in two types, you have to fit into one of them. Many people do fit clearly into one of these categories, but some do not. Those who clearly fit a type at diagnosis may find the clear lines begin to smudge over time. Are there really only two types? Are you really the type you were told you were?

Learn About the Basics of Diabetes

Diabetes can be a complicated disease to manage, especially for the newly diagnosed. It affects men, women, and children differently. There are also multiple types of diabetes (Pre-diabetes, Type 1, Type 1.5, Type 2, etc) that have different effects on people. This section of our site gives you a great outline of diabetes diagnosis, treatments and complications. 

Newly Diagnosed

Learn the basics of diabetes, from its diagnosis and types to staying motivated while dealing with the disease.

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