Thyroid and Autoimmune Screening
Reviewed by CDE Mehandi Sharma · Updated
This is the part of screening that is specific to autoimmune diabetes, and it is the part most often left out when someone is being managed as Type 2.
Thyroid disease is the most common companion condition. Antibodies against the thyroid are found more often in LADA than in Type 2 diabetes, and thyroid problems can develop years after your diabetes diagnosis. So thyroid function is worth testing when LADA is confirmed, and rechecking periodically rather than once.
The symptoms are easy to attribute to diabetes or to ordinary life: tiredness, weight change, feeling cold, dry skin and low mood for an underactive thyroid; weight loss, palpitations, heat intolerance and anxiety for an overactive one. A simple blood test settles it.
Coeliac disease is the other one worth knowing about. In coeliac disease, gluten — in wheat, and so in roti, atta, maida, suji and most Indian breads — damages the lining of the small intestine. Markers of gluten sensitivity are more common in LADA than in Type 2 diabetes.
Consider raising it if you have persistent bloating, loose stools, unexplained anaemia, or unexplained weight loss. It also causes erratic blood sugar, because damaged intestine absorbs food unpredictably.
Pernicious anaemia, affecting vitamin B12 absorption, and rheumatoid arthritis are also reported alongside LADA. Neither needs routine screening, but both are worth mentioning if symptoms appear.