QUESTION

What is type 1.5 diabetes? How does it differ from other types of diabetes?

ANSWER

Some researchers believe that type 1.5 diabetes is a subtype of type 1. Other research suggests that diabetes is actually a continuum, with type 1.5 falling between type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes, also called latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), is a slow-progressing form of autoimmune diabetes. With this disorder, the body’s own immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. As a result, the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin to control blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance—the body responds to insulin inefficiently and fails to keep blood sugar at a normal level. The vast majority of people with diabetes have type 2. A person who shows attributes of both type 1 and type 2 is said to have type 1.5 diabetes. What initially appeared to be type 2 diabetes, because the pancreas is still able to produce a small amount of insulin, is actually slowly evolving type 1 diabetes. Type 1.5 diabetes typically shows up at an older age—over age 30—than when type 1 diabetes is diagnosed. Type 1.5 is diagnosed through a blood test for antibodies. Diet, exercise and some oral medications may help keep the condition under control—but many type 1.5 patients require insulin within 10 years of diagnosis.

What is type 1.5 diabetes? How does it differ from other types of diabetes?

Some researchers believe that type 1.5 diabetes is a subtype of type 1. Other research suggests that diabetes is actually a continuum, with type 1.5 falling between type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes, also called latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), is a slow-progressing form of autoimmune diabetes. With this disorder, the body’s own immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. As a result, the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin to control blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance—the body responds to insulin inefficiently and fails to keep blood sugar at a normal level. The vast majority of people with diabetes have type 2.

A person who shows attributes of both type 1 and type 2 is said to have type 1.5 diabetes. What initially appeared to be type 2 diabetes, because the pancreas is still able to produce a small amount of insulin, is actually slowly evolving type 1 diabetes.

Type 1.5 diabetes typically shows up at an older age—over age 30—than when type 1 diabetes is diagnosed. Type 1.5 is diagnosed through a blood test for antibodies. Diet, exercise and some oral medications may help keep the condition under control—but many type 1.5 patients require insulin within 10 years of diagnosis.